ECB’s Lagarde: Inflation target within reach, services inflation still stubborn

In an interview with the Financial Times, ECB President Christine Lagarde expressed optimism about nearing the inflation target.

She remarked that ECB is “very close” to declaring that inflation has been “sustainably” brought back to its 2% medium-term target.

The latest inflation reading of 2.2% reflects the success of ECB’s restrictive monetary policy. However, she highlighted persistent concerns in the services sector, where inflation remains high at 3.9%, describing it as “not budging much” despite showing slight signs of decline.

On the topic of US tariff threats, Lagarde emphasized the economic risks of retaliatory trade measures, stating, “Retaliation was a bad approach.” She warned that tit-for-tat trade conflicts could harm the global economy.