© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: European Central Bank (ECB) Vice President Luis de Guindos delivers a statement during the second day of the Informal Meeting of EU Economy and Finance Ministers in Berlin, Germany May 12 9 2020. Odd Andersen / Pool via
MADRID (Reuters) – The exact number of rate hikes by the European Central Bank will depend on upcoming macroeconomic data, ECB Vice President Luis de Guindos said on Monday.
Earlier this month, the ECB raised interest rates to an unprecedented 75 basis points, just weeks after raising them by 50 points, and promised some more steps in the coming months as eurozone inflation stays at low levels. the highest level in nearly half a century and at a risk of becoming entrenched.
“Monetary policy is always trying to act to combat inflation, which will affect consumer spending and investment by companies … and further rate hikes will depend on economic data. economy,” de Guindos said at a financial event in Madrid.
He added: “Inflation is the biggest pain for the population of Europe.
