Banca Centrală Europeană majorează dobânda de referință la 2,5%. Lagarde: „Inflația va dura mai mult decât am anticipat”

The European Central Bank raised its key interest rate to 2.5% to combat inflation, amid rising energy prices driven by Middle Eastern tensions. Brent crude surpassed $105 per barrel, reflecting a 3.3% daily increase. ECB President Christine Lagarde warned that inflation may persist longer than expected, with rising energy costs potentially impacting food and other goods. The bank forecasts a 3% inflation rate in the Eurozone this year and a 0.9% economic growth by 2026. Gas storage levels are at 67%, below the five-year average, raising supply concerns ahead of winter. Lagarde emphasized that the ECB has not discussed future interest rate trajectories, focusing on price stability instead.