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ECB RATE DECISION LIVE | Lagarde Warns of Inflation Shock as Middle East War Escalates

FRANKFURT — European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde holds a high-stakes press conference following the Governing Council's July 2026 monetary policy meeting. Amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including a direct conflict with Iran and Red Sea tanker attacks that have pushed crude oil prices past $90 a barrel, the ECB has opted to hold its key deposit facility rate steady at 2.25% and the main refinancing operations rate at 2.40%. However, with Eurozone inflation lingering at 2.8% and economic growth sluggish at 0.8%, policymakers face a delicate balancing act. Global markets are hyper-focused on Lagarde's forward guidance as hawkish factions within the ECB push for another 25-basis-point interest rate hike in September 2026 to prevent second-round inflation effects from de-anchoring expectations. This live broadcast delivers real-time translation, expert analysis, and direct coverage of the ECB's economic outlook, energy market assessments, and the future trajectory of the Euro (EUR/USD). #live #ECB #ChristineLagarde #InterestRates #EurozoneEconomy #Inflation #EuropeNews #GlobalEconomy In this Times Now World News report, we break down the this topic: Stay connected with Times Now World for real-time global news and analysis: 🌐 Read full coverage: https://www.timesnownews.com/world 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timesnow.world 🐦 Follow us on X: https://x.com/TimesNow_World #timesnowworld #worldnews #breakingnews