ECB Cuts Rates Again Amid Slowing Growth, Signals Further Easing Likely

ECB Cuts Rates Again Amid Slowing Growth, Signals Further Easing Likely

By Ez-XBRL Team 21 April, 2025
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21 April 2025

The European Central Bank (ECB) has cut interest rates for the seventh time in twelve months, reducing its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 2.25%. The move reflects growing concerns over a weakening eurozone economy, as global trade tensions and softer demand pressure exports, business investment, and consumer confidence.

ECB President Christine Lagarde cited a “deteriorating external environment” as a key factor in the decision, warning that downside risks to growth have increased, particularly due to ongoing U.S. tariffs and uncertainty in global trade flows.

Key Developments:

  • New benchmark rate: 2.25%, the lowest since Q4 2022

  • Markets now anticipate 2–3 more cuts in 2025

  • Trade-driven slowdown affecting core eurozone economies

  • Business sentiment and private investment trending downward

Lagarde reaffirmed the ECB’s data-driven, meeting-by-meeting approach, while sources close to the Governing Council described the policy stance as “cautiously accommodative.”

Notably, the removal of prior language describing rates as “restrictive” signals a more dovish shift, aligning with market expectations for continued monetary easing throughout the year.

As inflationary pressures continue to recede, the ECB’s focus now pivots to supporting growth, with rate policy playing a central role in its macroeconomic strategy.

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To find out more details please visit :https://www.reuters.com/