MNI BRIEF: Inflation To Fluctuate Near Current Levels-Lagarde
ECB President Lagarde says inflation to fluctuate close to current levels before converging on target in 2025.
Eurozone inflation is likely to fluctuate around current levels before converging sustainably around target in 2025, ECB President Christine Lagarde said Thursday, though she noted upside risks from geopolitical uncertainty and wages growth.
Lagarde also noted downside risks from a slower global economy and tighter conditions from previous monetary policy measures, pointing to the results of the latest bank lending survey. (See MNI BRIEF: Bank Credit Standards "Broadly Unchanged" In Q1-ECB)
She again noted the appropriateness of reducing monetary policy restriction if inflation continues to decline in line with ECB projections. (See MNI SOURCES: ECB Still Divided Over Guidance As It Nears Cuts) Earlier, the ECB Governing Council left monetary policy unchanged, but opened the door to a first cycle rate cut as early as June.