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Added on the 02/02/2023 15:11:58 - Copyright : AFPTV - First images
The European Central Bank (ECB) announces its first interest rate cut since 2019, reducing borrowing costs from record highs, but giving few clues about its next move while warning of continuing inflation pressures. "The governing council today decided to lower the three key ECB interest rates by 25 basis points," says Christine Lagarde, ECB President. SOUNDBITE
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde announces that ECB European Central Bank left its key interest rates unchanged again. The third consecutive pause since October was widely expected, and leaves the benchmark deposit rate at a record high of four percent. SOUNDBITE
European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde says the institution will freeze borrowing costs again on Thursday but warns that inflation could pick up again in the near term, in an apparent pushback against market hopes of early rate cuts in 2024. It is the second time in a row the central bank has held rates, following a run of historic hikes to tame runaway price rises. SOUNDBITE
The European Central Bank President, Christine Lagarde, warns governments against adding to their public debt, as they look to ease the pressure on households and businesses from soaring energy costs. "Governments should pursue fiscal policies that show they are committed to gradually bringing down high public debt ratios," she says during a news conference, adding that policymakers should pick measures that are "temporary and targeted at the most vulnerable". SOUNDBITE
The European Central Bank unleashes another jumbo interest rate hike on the eurozone in an effort to combat record-high inflation, which has soared towards 10 per cent, and bring rising prices under control. The decision has been made despite concerns mounting over a darkening economic outlook. "With this third major policy rate increase in a row" says Christine Lagarde, ECB President, "we have made substantial progress in withdrawing monetary policy accommodation." SOUNDBITE