Euro-zone inflation steady in April; ECB rate cuts expected

Published 02/05/2025, 10:22
© Reuters.

Investing.com -- The Euro-zone’s headline inflation remained unchanged at 2.2% in April 2025, aligning with broader market expectations and suggesting stability in the region’s economy.

The inflation rate for energy dropped significantly, reflecting a decrease in oil and gas prices, while inflation for "food, alcohol, and tobacco" saw a slight increase.

A notable rise in the core inflation rate, which excludes volatile items such as food and energy, was recorded, moving from 2.4% to 2.7%. This increase was attributed entirely to a surge in services inflation from 3.5% to 3.9%.

However, this jump in services inflation is thought to be temporary, influenced by the timing of Easter, and is expected to reverse in May according to data released earlier in the week.

Despite the rise in services inflation, Capital Economics does not foresee concern from the European Central Bank (ECB), as the effects related to Easter are likely to subside.

Furthermore, the imposition of US tariffs is anticipated to have a disinflationary impact on the Euro-zone, potentially setting the stage for further rate cuts by the ECB later in the year.

In addition to inflation data, there was a slight increase in the unemployment rate, which inched up from 6.1% to 6.2% in March. Other indicators also pointed to a softening labor market, with a decline in the number of services firms reporting labor shortages and a drop in hiring intentions in April.

Capital Economics forecasts that the ECB will proceed with two additional rate cuts this year, which would bring the deposit rate down to 1.75%.

The next ECB meeting, scheduled for June 5, will follow the release of May’s inflation figures by two days, potentially influencing the central bank’s policy decisions.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.