Analysts expect another ECB quarter-point rate cut in September — Bloomberg poll

A Bloomberg survey revealed that analysts still expect the European Central Bank (ECB) to ease monetary policy by a quarter point in September, which would bring the deposit rate to 1.75%. The study was conducted after the regulator lowered borrowing costs for the eighth time this year in June.

Last week, ECB President Christine Lagarde deemed the current monetary policy suitable for adapting to emerging uncertainty. Inflation in the eurozone is gradually slowing down and approaching the target level of 2%. According to Bloomberg, other experts and officials also advocate pausing rate cuts in July. Some of them suggest that the cycle of monetary easing is nearly over.

Due to a stronger euro and lower energy prices, ECB members lowered their inflation forecast for next year to 1.6%. Bloomberg poll respondents maintained their expectations of a stronger consumer price growth, leaving their forecast unchanged at 1.9% for 2026. They estimate that the eurozone economy will grow by 1% in 2026 and 1.5% in 2027.