|

Lagarde speech: ECB’s mild growth scenario already outdated

Speaking about the European Central Bank’s (ECB) response to the COVID-19 pandemic at the European Youth Dialogue 2020, President Christine Lagarde said that the ECB’s mild growth scenario is already outdated.

Additional quotes

“Economic contraction likely between medium and severe scenarios.”

“It is very hard to forecast how badly the economy has been affected.”

“ECB primary objective is to ensure price stability.”

“ECB had to resort to exceptional measures to make sure there is plenty of liquidity.”

“There will be no new euro debt crisis after the pandemic.”

“Not overly concerned about high debt levels.”

About Lagarde’s speech

The European Central Bank's President Christine Lagarde, born in 1956 in France, has formerly served as Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, and minister of finance in France. She began her eight-year term at the helm of the ECB in November 2019. As part of her job in the Governing Council, Lagarde holds press conferences in detailing how the ECB observes the current and future state of the European economy. Her comments may positively or negatively the euro's trend in the short-term. Usually, a hawkish outlook is boosts the euro (bullish), while a dovish one weighs on the common currency(bearish).

Market reaction 

The EUR bulls continue to guard the 1.0950 level following the comments from President Lagarde, as she offers no new surprises in her speech. At the time of writing, EUR/USD drops 0.20% to trade at 1.0960. All eyes on the EU Summit. 

Author

Dhwani Mehta

Dhwani Mehta

FXStreet

Residing in Mumbai (India), Dhwani is a Senior Analyst and Manager of the Asian session at FXStreet. She has over 10 years of experience in analyzing and covering the global financial markets, with specialization in Forex and commodities markets.

More from Dhwani Mehta
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 gathers strength above 1.1750 as Fed rate cut prospects pressure US Dollar

The EUR/USD pair trades in positive territory around 1.1775 during the early Asian session on Monday. The prospect of a US Federal Reserve rate cut in 2026 weighs on the US Dollar against the Euro. Markets brace for US President Donald Trump to nominate a Fed chair to replace Jerome Powell, whose term ends in May. 

GBP/USD edges lower near 0.7400, eyes Fed rate cut outlook

GBP/USD edges lower after a gap-up open, trading around 0.7410 during the Asian hours on Monday. However, the pair may gain ground as the US Dollar faces challenges, which could be attributed to growing expectations of two more rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2026.

Gold retreats from record highs, heads toward $4,550

Gold retreats after setting a new record-high at $4,550 earlier in the Asian session on Monday and eases toward $4,500 as trading volumes thin out ahead of the New Year break. The US Dollar bearish bias remains unabated on the back of dovish Fed expectations, which continues to act as a tailwind for the bullion amid persistent geopolitical risks.

Ethereum Annual Price Forecast: ETH poised for growth in 2026 amid regulatory clarity and institutional adoption

Ethereum lost 12% of its value in 2025, declining from $3,336 at the beginning of the year to $2,930 as of the third week of December, a stark contrast from 2024's 48% gain. But that percentage doesn't do justice to the wild year ETH had in 2025.

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.