Economists predict the European Central Bank will pause rate hikes next week and make its final rate increase in December.

Economists expect the European Central Bank (ECB) to pause rate hikes next week and then raise rates for the last time in December, a view diverging from market bets. Most respondents believe the ECB will raise the deposit rate by 25 basis points to 2.75% at its final meeting in 2026 and maintain that level until May 2028, while traders expect three more rate hikes in the coming year. Bas van Geffen, an economist at Rabobank, stated that there are currently no signs that energy inflation is spreading to wages and price setting, and the ECB does not need to accelerate its rate hike pace; it can wait until December to take action. (Source: Jinshi Data)