ROME, FEBRUARY 25 – The inflation rate in the euro area “is high to an unacceptable level” but “it is likely to drop because energy prices are falling”. However, core inflation – excluding food and energy – “is currently still at an all-time high, reaching 5.3% in January”. ECB President Christine Lagarde observed this in an interview. Lagarde – when asked whether the ECB can decide on further increases in interest rates by half a percentage point after the one anticipated for March 16, she does not comment or exclude anything. “We don’t have a crystal ball. I want to see the new data and hear from my colleagues. It is on this basis that we will make a decision. One thing is certain: we will bring inflation back to 2% in a timely manner”. (HANDLE).
(ANSA)
