By LONDON (Reuters) – The European Central Bank cut interest rates again on Thursday as inflation slows and economic growth falters, but provided almost no clues about its next step, even as investors bet on steady policy easing in the months ahead.
The ECB cut its deposit rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 3.50%, as expected, following a similar cut in June, as inflation is now within striking distance of its 2% target and the domestic economy skirts a recession.
The euro briefly touched a session high after the rate decision and was last trading at around $1.1016. Government bond yields in the euro area were little changed and European stocks held higher.
COMMENTS:
SYLVAIN BROYER, CHIEF EMEA ECONOMIST, S&P GLOBAL RATINGS, LONDON:
“As expected, the ECB has implemented a 25-bp rate cut with no additional policy guidance. With wage growth far outpacing productivity and service inflation picking up again, the Governing Council has no reason to accelerate the pace of cutting rates or committing to further rate cuts at this stage.”
“The upcoming 35-bp reduction in the repo rate is unlikely to have a significant impact. While it may serve as a ceiling for money market rates in the long term, banks currently have little incentive to tap the markets, as their liquidity needs are being fully met by the ECB.”
MARCHEL ALEXANDROVICH, ECONOMIST, SALTMARSH ECONOMICS, LONDON:
“As expected, the ECB cuts interest rates by 25 bps, and more or less, repeats its statement from June by ‘not pre-committing to a particular policy path.’”
“The new forecasts show a combination of slightly weaker GDP growth and slightly higher underlying inflation.”
“Overall, we think the ECB is laying the groundwork for further easing in Q4.”