The European Central Bank left its key interest rates unchanged on Thursday, as expected, after raising them in the past 10 sessions, but adopted a cautious stance to suggest that rates could stay "higher for longer" despite the easing inflationary pressures as signs of a recession in the euro area economy increase. The Governing Council, led by ECB President Christine Lagarde, left the main refinancing rate, or refi, at 4.50 percent at the rate-setting session in Athens, Greece.
The deposit facility rate was held at a record high 4.00 percent and the lending rate was kept at 4.75 percent.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Business News
April 24, 2026 15:15 ET Economics news flow was relatively light this week even as the conflict in the Middle East continued, raising concerns for policymakers. In the U.S., spending data, initial jobless claims and pending home sales were the highlights. Business confidence in the biggest euro area economy was in focus in Europe. Inflation data from Japan gained attention in Asia.