Lagarde speech: There is optionality to raise by more in September

European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde delivers the Introductory speech on Day 2 of the ECB Forum on Central Banking in Sintra, Portugal. Her speech is titled ‘Price stability and policy transmission in the euro area.’

Further comments

Commitment to rate hikes is data-dependent.

Intend to raise rates by 25 bps in July.

There is an optionality to raise by more in September.

If inflation outlook does not improve, we will have sufficient information to move faster.

Beyond September, a “gradual but sustained” path of further rate increases will be appropriate.

In addressing fragmentation, ECB will use flexibility in reinvesting redemptions coming due under PEPP.

Also decided to accelerate the completion of the design of a new instrument.