ECB Governing Council Member: May Raise Interest Rates in April if Data Indicates It Is Necessary

SighingCashier · 2026-03-20T16:12:33+00:00

ECB governing council member Mahluf stated that he does not rule out the possibility of a rate hike next month if data shows it is necessary, but due to high uncertainty, he cannot make a commitment. He emphasized that he will maintain a calm and prudent approach, noting that a decision will be made based on evidence within six weeks.

SighingCashier

2026-03-20 16:12:33

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European Central Bank Governing Council member and Bank of Ireland Governor Gabriel Makhlouf stated that if data indicates the need for action, he does not rule out a rate hike next month, but also pointed out that given the current high level of uncertainty, no commitments can be made.

In an interview with Bloomberg Television, he said he fully understands the market’s expectation of two rate hikes this year, which is one of the baseline scenarios for the European Central Bank. However, he emphasized that he and his colleagues will remain calm and cautious when formulating policy responses.

He said, “If the facts show that we must take action, we will absolutely take action, but ultimately it depends on the evidence, and clearly, there are six weeks before we need to make the next decision. In the evolution of this particular shock, six weeks is a long time. Let’s see how April unfolds.”

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