Harvest Global Markets :

Euro zone inflation has shown a significant decline, providing support for a cautious approach to further interest rate hikes as the European Central Bank (ECB) aims to rein in rising prices. In May, inflation in the 20 euro zone nations dropped to 6.1% from the previous month’s 7.0%, falling below economists’ expectations of 6.3%. The easing inflationary pressures were also reflected in core inflation figures, which exclude volatile food and fuel prices and serve as a key factor in the ECB’s policy decisions. Core inflation decreased to 5.3% from 5.6%, further reinforcing the need for a careful monetary tightening strategy.

The ECB raised rates by 375 basis points to 3.75% in the past year to combat inflation. Another 25 basis point hike is scheduled for June 15, but future actions are uncertain due to persistent price pressures. While some policymakers suggest a rate hike in July, the unresolved inflation issue, especially in services, calls for caution. While services inflation slowed to 5.0% from 5.2% and price growth for industrial goods eased to 5.8% from 6.2%, indicating a potential stabilization in prices, euro zone wage growth remains high at 5% to 6%. The ECB hopes that as inflation slows; wage growth will align, offsetting each other. However, tight labor market conditions and labor shortages in services pose an upside risk for wages and inflation. Moreover what can create problem for the ECB in their rates decision which is on 15th June is the resilience on economic growth, multiple indicator are given clues that the industrial sector may exert downward pressure whereas the service sector is flourishing, this potential imbalance in the performance of the two sectors raises considerations for the ECB decision making process.

Financial investors expect two more rate hikes from the ECB, with the first one already priced in for June and the second anticipated in either July or September. This reflects ongoing efforts to address inflation and maintain price stability. In conclusion, while euro zone inflation has eased, challenges persist, especially in high-growth sectors like services, and wage growth remains a potential driver of inflation. The central bank will closely monitor economic growth concerns in manufacturing and adjust policies accordingly as markets anticipate future rate hikes.