According to data published by the Office for National Statistics on Wednesday, 17 April 2024, consumer prices increased by 3.2%, which is slightly less than the recorded 3.4% in February 2024. These records further indicated that core inflation, which does not include food, energy, or tobacco, dropped from 4.5% to 4.2%. A Reuters poll predicted…
Read more
During its meeting on March 19-20, which saw the benchmark interest rate trimmed by 50 basis points to 10.75%, the central bank highlighted the crucial role of updated data in determining the final interest rate and its trajectory. The minutes revealed, "Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of fresh data in guiding the final…
Read more
Lagarde sought to temper expectations of a clear-cut path for rate cuts while acknowledging positive signs in recent wage and inflation trends. During a Frankfurt conference, she explained that "our actions will need to be informed by the latest data at each meeting without committing in advance to a fixed trajectory for future rates." Supporting…
Read more
Although their opinions regarding when to initiate the rate cut varied slightly, the consensus leaned towards action before the summer. Joachim Nagel, President of the Bundesbank, indicated in an interview with the German podcast Table Today that a rate cut before the summer holidays is becoming increasingly probable. Nagel's stance is particularly noteworthy since the…
Read more
Lagarde's comments underscored the delicate balance the ECB aims to maintain in its fight against inflation, which has been a significant concern for economies worldwide. "The Q4 wage numbers are obviously encouraging numbers," she remarked, pointing out that these figures offer a glimmer of hope. However, she quickly added a note of caution, stating, "The…
Read more
The reductions come at a time when tensions between ECB officials and the market are high. Investors, however, continue to predict rate cuts as soon as March/April this year; policymakers are opting for what they term a more realistic timeframe of mid-year. Market and authority attention will now be fixed on Chief Economist Philip Lane,…
Read more