Inflation in the Eurozone has dropped to its lowest level in almost two years, providing potential relief for the European Central Bank (ECB) and raising questions about the continuation of its rate-hiking cycle.
Official data from Eurostat reveals that consumer prices in the 20-nation Eurozone rose at an annual rate of 4.3 percent in September, down from 5.2 percent in August. This marks the lowest level of inflation since October 2021.
Analysts had anticipated a slower decline in inflation, with a consensus forecast of 4.5 percent for September, according to data firm FactSet. However, it’s important to note that inflation remains well above the ECB’s target of two percent.
The decline in inflation has raised hopes among investors that the ECB may reconsider its ongoing rate-hiking cycle. The central bank had been raising interest rates in response to elevated inflation, but this has had repercussions across the Eurozone economy.
ECB Chief Christine Lagarde defended the rate hikes, stating that they were necessary to combat inflation, despite acknowledging the associated difficulties.
Inflation has been on a downward trajectory since reaching its peak at 10.6 percent in October 2022, primarily due to the economic repercussions of Russia’s war on Ukraine across Europe.
The Netherlands was the only Eurozone country where consumer prices actually fell, dropping by 0.3 percent, according to Eurostat figures. Meanwhile, Germany saw a notable reduction in inflation from 6.4 percent in August to 4.3 percent in September, as per Eurostat data.
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