ECB Cuts Key Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points for Sixth Consecutive Time

• For a sixth consecutive time, the ECB implemented interest rate cuts
• The institution lowered the deposit facility rate to 2.25%, main refinancing operations rate to 2.4%, and marginal lending facility rate to 2.65%
• Europe’s largest trade relationship is with the US, involving a daily flow of about $5 billion in goods and services

Today, the European Central Bank (ECB) implemented its sixth consecutive interest rate cut, reducing key rates by 25 basis points to address the rising economic challenges in the eurozone. This includes lowering the deposit rate to 2.25%, main refinancing operations rate to 2.4%, and marginal lending facility rate to 2.65%.

The ECB’s rate cut occurs against a backdrop of escalating global trade tensions, particularly following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on imported goods, including a proposed 20% tariff on European Union products. This was paused for 90 days, but the risk it could still go into effect worries European leaders.

ECB President Christine Lagarde highlighted that these developments pose a big risk to Eurozone growth, with the potential to dampen exports, investment, and consumption. She emphasized the “cloud of uncertainty” in the global economic outlook due to these trade barriers.

It was reported that the EU officials proposed a ‘zero for zero’ deal to Trump, eliminating industrial goods tariffs, including cars, but he rejected it as insufficient.

These talks are crucial as the U.S. is Europe’s top trade partner; about $5 billion in goods/services are exchanged daily.

Why Cut Rates Now?

ECB is one of the biggest central banks globally, with its total assets approximated at 7 trillion. Despite inflation easing to 2.2% in March, which is close to the ECB’s 2% target, economic growth remains sluggish, with only a 0.2% expansion in the last quarter of 2024. 

As such, with the rate cuts, the ECB is likely trying to make borrowing cheaper and encourage spending and investment. This is an attempt to offset the negative impact of trade barriers on the already fragile economic recovery.

While the ECB has not committed to a specific rate path, it maintains a data-dependent approach, closely monitoring economic indicators to determine future policy actions. Analysts anticipate that if current trends persist, further rate adjustments may be necessary to support the eurozone economy.

In case the current situation continues or even escalates, it won’t be a surprise if a seventh consecutive interest rate cut happens in the future.