<Anchor> The
European Central Bank has left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0%. The European Central Bank has decided to keep its monetary policy loose for the time being, with more focus on economic recovery, although inflation concerns are showing signs of a shift in monetary policy in the US to pull money back.
This is reporter Hyung-woo Hyung.
<Reporter> The
European Central Bank (ECB) has left its benchmark interest rate unchanged.
The ECB held a monetary policy meeting in Frankfurt, Germany, and decided to keep the base rate at 0% and the deposit rate and marginal loan rate at -0.5% and 0.25%, respectively.
The ECB plans to keep the benchmark interest rate at its current level until inflation reaches its target of 2%.
[Christine Lagarde/European Central Bank President: Temporarily inflation could result in slightly above target.]
ECB President Christine Lagarde said the move "emphasizes the commitment to sustaining monetary policy that will continue to stimulate the economy." for,” he explained.
Countries that favor austerity, such as Germany, have been cautious about keeping rates on hold due to inflation concerns, but Lagarde said delta mutations could undermine hospitality and tourism recovery.
The European Central Bank plans to maintain its massive bond purchases until March next year.
In fact, it's a different path from the US Federal Reserve, which has already started discussing a reduction in bond purchases.
Most major European stock markets ended higher today (23rd) as the European Central Bank decided to maintain accommodative monetary policy.