ECB keeps rates unchanged as inflation fears grow
May 01, 2026
Doha [Qatar], May 1: The European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged as expected on Thursday while signaling rising concerns over soaring inflation, leaving markets expecting it to lift rates several times this year with a likely initial move coming in June. Inflation jumped to 3 percent this month, well above the bank's 2 percent target, and a further rise is expected as the Iran war has pushed oil prices to a four-year high. ECB President Christine Lagarde said the final decision to hold rates was unanimous but told a press conference a possible rate hike had been discussed "at length" by policymakers.
