Sat 04 Jan 2025 ▪
7 min read
▪
by
Luc Jose A.
Inflation in the eurozone continues to receive close attention as markets monitor the release of December's figures. According to FactSet estimates, consumer prices are expected to rise by 2.4% year-on-year, up from 2.2% in November. This increase, although moderate, raises questions about the path the European Central Bank (ECB) is set to take. On one hand, some investors are betting on a rapid monetary easing, convinced that inflation will gradually return to the ECB's target of 2%. On the other hand, the sustainability of underlying inflation at 2.7%, fueled by rising prices of services and food products, urges the central bank to exercise caution. As the ECB prepares for its first meeting of the year on January 30, the balance between supporting the economy and controlling prices looks particularly delicate.