Report: ECB officials ready to raise rates in September if inflation outlook does not improve

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According to Bloomberg, citing informed sources, if the eurozone inflation outlook does not show significant improvement, European Central Bank officials are prepared to raise interest rates in September.

Based on current information and data, especially considering the Middle East conflict and its economic impact, the ECB may need to raise interest rates by another 25 basis points to curb consumer price pressures.

However, the sources emphasized that no decisions have been made yet, and the situation could change rapidly, especially if progress is made toward a peace agreement or if the economy experiences a more severe downturn. This stance is also in line with the ECB's "meeting-by-meeting assessment" policy path.

On Thursday, ECB President Lagarde hinted at a possible rate hike in September. She said that before deciding to keep the deposit rate unchanged at 2.25%, some committee members had discussed whether action should be taken immediately.

"Some governors asked themselves whether we should consider raising rates," Lagarde said on Thursday. "We believe the current policy stance is sufficient to support us waiting and closely monitoring developments over the coming weeks, as well as the data we will receive in the coming weeks."

Last month, the ECB became the first major central bank among the Group of Seven (G7) to raise interest rates since the outbreak of the conflict. Currently, in dealing with price pressures driven by geopolitical conflicts, the ECB remains at the forefront among G7 central banks.

Lagarde told reporters: "The inflation outlook faces upside risks. Energy shocks may intensify further, and their impact on other commodity prices and wages may be stronger than currently expected. The longer energy prices remain high, the greater the possibility of broader inflation rising."

The Middle East conflict is currently showing signs of expansion and may cause further supply disruptions. On Thursday, after Iran-backed Houthi forces claimed to have attacked two Saudi Arabian oil tankers, international oil prices broke through $100 per barrel for the first time in two months.

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