{
  "id": 17066492,
  "title": "Monetary policy: ECB leaves key interest rate at 2.5 percent for now despite high inflation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/geldpolitik-ezb-lasst-leitzins-trotz-hoher-inflation-vorerst-bei-2-5",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-29T13:36:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/finanzen/geldpolitik/ezb-leitzins-bleibt-trotz-hoher-inflation-vorerst-bei-25-prozent/100265320.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "The European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to keep its deposit rate for banks at 2.5 percent, putting on hold further interest rate hikes for now. The bank cited rising energy prices, which have increased inflationary pressure and pose \"downside risks to growth prospects.\" The ECB also noted that the full impact of the energy price shock has yet to be felt. This decision follows a similar move by the US Federal Reserve and comes as energy prices, including European Brent oil and gas, have surged in recent weeks. ECB President Christine Lagarde announced her early departure from the bank, set for February 2027.",
  "summary": "Inflation in the euro zone is at its highest level in three years. For now, the ECB is ruling out another interest rate hike. However, this step could follow soon.",
  "key_points": [
    "European Central Bank maintains 2.5% interest rate amid high inflation",
    "Energy price surge exacerbates inflationary pressures",
    "Christine Lagarde's departure discussed in press conference"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}