Christian Noyer, former ECB vice-president, urges Europe to stay open to Chinese investment while developing its own AI and tech infrastructure to reduce dependence on America.
The European Central Bank raised its benchmark deposit rate by 0.25 percentage points to 2.25%, the first hike in nearly three years. This move aims to combat inflation, which has risen to 3.2% due to the Iran war and its impact on energy prices, despite concerns about further straining the eurozone's weak economy.
The European Central Bank (ECB) has raised its benchmark deposit rate by 0.25 percentage points to 2.25% to counter inflation, which has reached 3.2% in the eurozone, exacerbated by the Iran war and its impact on oil and gas transit. The move aims to curb demand and ease price pressures despite risks to the eurozone's weak economy.
The European Central Bank has raised its main deposit rate to 2.25% in response to rising inflation, driven by the war in Iran and increased energy costs. This marks the first rate hike since 2023, with markets anticipating further increases.
The ECB is expected to raise rates by 25 basis points due to rising inflation. US inflation also surged, while tensions in the Middle East escalated. Frasers Group launched a €2 billion bid for Hugo Boss, and the 2026 World Cup is predicted to be the largest betting event ever.
Central banks are increasing their gold holdings, with China being the largest buyer since early 2022. Gold's share in global foreign reserves surpassed US Treasuries and the euro in 2025, driven by valuation effects and a desire for diversification and geopolitical risk hedging.
The ECB may raise interest rates to combat inflation driven by the Iran war's oil supply shock, despite risks to the Eurozone economy, as even dovish policymakers lose confidence in a quick resolution.
Mario Draghi received the 2026 International Charlemagne Prize for his contributions to European unity. During the ceremony, he urged EU leaders to pursue deeper economic integration and significant investment to maintain competitiveness against global powers.
The European Central Bank chief says Europe "knows which port it is sailing to,” and it's not towards a euro stablecoin.
The European Central Bank meets today to decide on interest rates amid a challenging economic landscape driven by the Iran war's impact on energy prices and inflation. ECB President Christine Lagarde and rate-setters face a difficult decision as Middle East conflict has created jet fuel shortages, with airlines warning of disruptions and governments advising people to fly less.
The European Central Bank and Bank of England are both expected to keep interest rates on hold at their meetings Thursday, resisting market expectations for hikes amid stagflation fears. The ECB will maintain its key rate at 2% while the BOE holds at 3.75%, as inflation stands at 2.5% in the euro zone and 3.3% in the UK—both above the 2% target. Economists say policymakers will look through inflation spikes caused by the Iran conflict, prioritizing growth concerns over price pressures.
