The Dutch Central Bank recently reaffirmed that changes in U.S. economic policy, specifically under former President Trump’s plan, have not led to significant alterations in the Eurozone’s economic landscape. As such, there seems to be little impetus for the European Central Bank (ECB) to deviate from its current strategy regarding interest rates. Encouragingly, the ECB Governing Council has set a target for inflation to reach 2% by 2025, indicating that further monetary easing could be on the horizon.
Market analysts are predicting a potential 25 basis point rate cut during the upcoming January policy meeting, signaling a cautious approach. Nonetheless, concerns about prevailing economic uncertainties may prompt the ECB to maintain flexibility in its decisions. With indications that the ECB could pursue three additional rate cuts by April, the deposit rate could realistically be adjusted down to 2.25%, reflecting the anticipated persistence of inflation at higher levels than previously estimated.