ECB raises rates for first time since 2023 as Iran war drives inflation
Deposit rate moves to 2.25% with markets pricing two more hikes by spring 2027, but Deutsche Bank warns the tightening cycle will stop after September as growth weakens.
Monday, 17 August 2026Europe · Analysis
Independent · Brussels & Berlin
Person
Chief European economist, Deutsche Bank
Deposit rate moves to 2.25% with markets pricing two more hikes by spring 2027, but Deutsche Bank warns the tightening cycle will stop after September as growth weakens.
The European Central Bank is expected to lift its deposit rate to 2.25% on Thursday, confronting a renewed surge in energy costs that has pushed headline inflation to 3.2% and core inflation to 2.5% in May.
The European Central Bank left its deposit facility rate unchanged despite April inflation surging to 3% and the Iran war driving energy costs higher, signalling a June hike remains possible but not guaranteed.
The European Central Bank kept its key deposit rate unchanged for a third consecutive meeting on Thursday, judging that a modest recovery and sticky services inflation warrant patience despite price growth accelerating to 2.2% in September.
Eighth consecutive quarter-point reduction brings borrowing costs below half the level in Britain and the United States, with inflation now under target and growth forecasts weakening.
Third quarter-point reduction this year reflects deteriorating growth prospects after US imposes 10% blanket tariff on EU goods, with further 10% threatened for July.
Fifth reduction since June comes after zero growth in final quarter of 2024, with Germany and France both contracting. Markets price in another full percentage point of cuts this year.
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