Inflation within the euro zone eased barely within the month of February, following feedback from the European Central Financial institution chief that bringing the speed down will take a while.

Headline inflation throughout the 20-member bloc got here in at 8.5% in February, based on preliminary knowledge launched Thursday. By comparability, costs appeared to have cooled off for a 3rd consecutive month in January, with headline inflation at a revised 8.6%.

Market gamers have been questioning whether or not the ECB must preserve its hawkish stance for longer, following hotter-than-expected February inflation figures from France, Germany and Spain.

ECB President Christine Lagarde mentioned Thursday that bringing down inflation will nonetheless take time, based on feedback reported by Reuters. The financial institution targets a headline price of two%.

The Frankfurt-based establishment has indicated that one other 50 foundation level hike is on the playing cards for when the central financial institution adjourns later this month. In feedback reported by Reuters, Lagarde mentioned Thursday that this transfer remains to be on that desk, as inflation stays effectively above goal.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs mentioned earlier this week that they have been elevating price hike expectations for the ECB and pricing in one other 50 foundation factors hike in Could.

European bond yields have been transferring at multi-year highs in current days, amid issues that the hawkish financial coverage is right here to remain.

This can be a breaking information story and it’s being up to date.