|

ECB: Another 50 bps rate raise due in March – UOB

Economist at UOB Group Lee Sue Ann assesses the latest ECB event on February 2.

Key Takeaways

“The European Central Bank (ECB), at its first meeting of the year, lifted interest rates by 50bps. It also gave more details on how it intends to shrink its EUR5tn bond portfolio, reaffirming a monthly cap of EUR15bn between Mar and Jun on maturing debt that is allowed to expire.”

“The latest decision follows a slew of encouraging economic data, showing a further retreat in inflation and receding chances of a recession in the 20member region. These factors give the ECB room to remain hawkish. But just how far and how fast the ECB will go from there, is still unclear.”

“In line with our current forecasts, the ECB is expected to hike by another 50bps at the next meeting on 16 Mar. This will bring the refinancing rate to 3.50% and the deposit rate to 3.00% by 1Q23. The Mar meeting will also feature a new set of economic forecasts that should heavily influence the ECB’s decision going forward, and we will update our ECB forecasts accordingly then.”

Author

Pablo Piovano

Born and bred in Argentina, Pablo has been carrying on with his passion for FX markets and trading since his first college years.

More from Pablo Piovano
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD moves sideways below 1.1800 on Christmas Eve

EUR/USD struggles to find direction and trades in a narrow channel below 1.1800 after posting gains for two consecutive days. Bond and stock markets in the US will open at the usual time and close early on Christmas Eve, allowing the trading action to remain subdued. 

GBP/USD keeps range around 1.3500 amid quiet markets

GBP/USD keeps its range trade intact at around 1.3500 on Wednesday. The Pound Sterling holds the upper hand over the US Dollar amid pre-Christmas light trading as traders move to the sidelines heading into the holiday season. 

Gold retreats from record highs, trades below $4,500

Gold retreats after setting a new record-high above $4,520 earlier in the day and trades in a tight range below $4,500 as trading volumes thin out ahead of the Christmas break. The US Dollar selling bias remains unabated on the back of dovish Fed expectations, which continues to act as a tailwind for the bullion amid persistent geopolitical risks.

Bitcoin slips below $87,000 as ETF outflows intensify, whale participation declines

Bitcoin price continues to trade around $86,770 on Wednesday, after failing to break above the $90,000 resistance. US-listed spot ETFs record an outflow of $188.64 million on Tuesday, marking the fourth consecutive day of withdrawals.

Economic outlook 2026-2027 in advanced countries: Solidity test

After a year marked by global economic resilience and ending on a note of optimism, 2026 looks promising and could be a year of solid economic performance. In our baseline scenario, we expect most of the supportive factors at work in 2025 to continue to play a role in 2026.

Avalanche struggles near $12 as Grayscale files updated form for ETF

Avalanche trades close to $12 by press time on Wednesday, extending the nearly 2% drop from the previous day. Grayscale filed an updated form to convert its Avalanche-focused Trust into an ETF with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.