BCE majorează din nou ratele dobânzilor, inflația persistă

The European Central Bank raised interest rates for the second time this year due to ongoing inflation pressures linked to the Middle East conflict. The deposit rate increased from 2.25% to 2.50%, while the refinancing rate rose from 2.40% to 2.65%. Inflation in the Eurozone accelerated to 3.3%, driven by rising energy costs. ECB President Christine Lagarde warned of potential worsening energy shocks affecting prices and wages. The bank revised its inflation forecasts upward, expecting inflation to remain above target for an extended period. Market expectations for further rate hikes have increased, reflecting concerns over inflation and public debt.