Apr 18, 03:30 AM

ECB Cuts Rates by 25 Basis Points to 2.25%, Seventh Consecutive Cut Amid US Tariffs

The European Central Bank (ECB) cut its key interest rates by 25 basis points on Thursday, reducing the deposit facility rate to 2.25%, the main refinancing operations rate to 2.4%, and the marginal lending facility to 2.65%. This is the seventh consecutive rate cut since June 2024, totaling a reduction of 175 basis points. ECB President Christine Lagarde said the decision was unanimous, citing 'exceptional uncertainty' in the economic outlook due to escalating trade disputes, particularly those initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump. The ECB no longer considers its monetary policy stance to be restrictive and emphasized the need for readiness and agility in future decisions. The ECB noted that eurozone export demand is at risk from higher tariffs and financial market volatility. Inflation in the eurozone fell to 2.2% in March, near the ECB's medium-term 2% target. Unemployment in the eurozone reached 6.1% in February, the lowest since the introduction of the euro. Market participants expect further rate cuts in the coming months if trade tensions persist or worsen. The ECB indicated it will make policy decisions on a meeting-by-meeting basis, guided by incoming economic data.

#European Central Bank #ECB #Christine Lagarde #Donald Trump

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