ECB officials said inflation risks from the US‑Iran flare-up remain unresolved
even as hostilities have largely subsided. Speaking at the ECB’s annual seminar
in Portugal, from LANE to a Dutch central bank official they signalled vigilance
rather than an explicit call for further hikes. LANE said: “We need to watch how
the past four months’ energy cost rises feed into food and services inflation.
We are committed to assessing meeting‑by‑meeting to avoid tying our hands by
prematurely signalling rate decisions.” Officials kept a cautious tone ahead of
the next policy decision just over three weeks away.
