ECB Set to Lower Interest Rates in Response to Growth Concerns

The European Central Bank (ECB) is predicted to decrease its benchmark interest rates in total by 25 basis points today, April 17, 2025. The reduction will reduce the deposit facility rate to 2.25% from 2.50%, a continuation of the easing cycle that started in 2024. It is primarily driven by concerns over decelerating economic growth in the eurozone and diminishing inflationary pressures, by the expectation of a majority of economists polled by Reuters.

The ECB move is an ongoing effort to counterbalance entrenched domestic price pressures against lagging wage growth. Even though the ECB's March 6, 2025, review indicated that inflation dynamics and monetary policy transmission were developing as expected, the central bank remains prudent. The ECB is staunchly committed to being data-dependent and very cautious in examining economic and inflation information before deciding on future policy decisions without providing overt forward guidance.

Later during the day, ECB President Christine Lagarde will address a press conference on additional information regarding the economic context and the rationale for the decision. Markets would be listening attentively for any hint on how tensions regarding trade around the world and trade tariffs can influence ECB policy measures, particularly in inflation, wage pressures, and monetary policy transmission.