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ECB Holds Fire for Now After June Rate Rise as Inflation and Oil Cool

A data-driven pause has cut odds of a July hike and leaves the bank watching whether the recent energy shock feeds into wages or services.

Banknotes of Japanese yen are seen in this illustration picture taken September 22, 2022. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration/File Photo
Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Kevin Warsh enters for the morning session at the ECB Forum, in Sintra, Portugal June 30, 2026. REUTERS/Pedro Rocha/File Photo
An employee holds U.S. dollar bank notes at a money changer in Jakarta, Indonesia, April 9, 2025. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Beth Hammack speaks during an interview with Reuters in New York City, U.S., April 24, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo

Overview

  • The ECB raised its deposit facility rate by 25 basis points to 2.25% at its June meeting to counter an energy-driven jump in prices.
  • Eurozone inflation slowed more than expected to 2.8% in June, a move that has reduced market bets on another rate increase in July.
  • A faster-than-expected retreat in oil prices has eased near-term pressure on policymakers but officials warn the energy shock is still in the system and could reassert itself.
  • Rising U.S. Treasury yields and a stronger dollar have pushed the yen to around 163 per dollar, raising the risk that Japan may intervene in FX markets.
  • Eurosystem staff project 2026 headline inflation near 3.0% and the ECB will decide policy on July 23 while keeping the option to tighten again if data show persistent second-round effects.