1422 GMT - The ECB faced criticism in 2022 for acting too slowly amid of rising inflation, a mistake it won't be in a hurry to repeat, says Joe Nellis at MHA. The central bank voted to hold interest rates Thursday. But with energy prices soaring, a hike could yet be in store. "A return to monetary tightening would be unwelcome for an already fragile eurozone economy." The IMF already lowered it outlook for the bloc, which would likely fall even lower if rates are raised, Nellis says. But snowballing energy prices could force the bank's hand. "Aware that they faced criticism in 2021-22 for not acting quickly enough to calm what they saw as 'transitory' inflationary pressures, policymakers at the ECB will not risk acting too slowly this time," Nellis says. (don.forbes@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 19, 2026 10:22 ET (14:22 GMT)
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