ECB rates up .25% to 3.25%
http://www.ecb.eu/home/html/index.en.html
http://www.ecb.eu/home/html/index.en.html
From the article:
Now economists are predicting there could even be two more rates rises before the end of the year. Nick Matthews, an economist at Barclays Capital in London, said he expected the ECB to raise its rate to 3.25pc.
"We're looking at two more rate increases by the end of the year," he added.
It will be interesting to listen to the commentary by Mr Trichet this afternoon. If he quotes the phrase "strong vigilance" then we can expect a rate rise in November, possibly followed by another in December. He could however not do that and just point to inflationary fears thus paving the way for just a December rate rise.
So no rise in November, but looks like another rise in December. When asked to confirm future markets analysis of pricing in a futher 25 basis points Ticket said he would not say anthing to change their view. He wouldn't comment on anything for 2007 either way.To sum up, annual inflation rates are projected to remain elevated in 2006 and 2007, with risks to this outlook remaining clearly on the upside. Given the ongoing dynamism of monetary and credit growth in an environment of already ample liquidity, a cross-check of the outcome of the economic analysis with that of the monetary analysis supports the assessment that upside risks to price stability prevail over the medium term. It is essential that inflation expectations remain firmly anchored at levels consistent with price stability. If our assumptions and baseline scenario are confirmed, it will remain warranted to further withdraw monetary accommodation. The Governing Council will therefore continue to monitor very closely all developments so as to ensure price stability over the medium and longer term.
Unusually clear commentary from Trichet I would have thought.
Just a quick note a friend mine who looks after House insurance in an Estate Agency in D15. His business is down 60% the last 2 weeks.