ECB to Cease Bond Purchases in Q3, Lagarde Says EU’s Economic Rebound ‘Crucially Depends on How the Conflict Evolves’

After the inflation rate in the eurozone reached a high of 7.5% in March, the European Central Bank (ECB) and the bank’s president Christine Lagarde explained on Thursday the central bank’s bond purchases will cease in Q3. Reiterating what she said at a press conference in Cyprus two weeks ago, Lagarde stressed on Thursday that … Read more

EU Designates ESMA as Crypto Regulator of the Region in Latest MiCA Draft

The Parliament of the EU has designated ESMA, the European Securities and Markets Authority, the top cryptocurrency regulator of the region in the latest draft of MiCA, the Markets in Crypto Assets regulation. The European organization would have the task of licensing crypto-related institutions and exchanges, putting national regulators under its authority. ESMA Gets Crypto … Read more

European Inflation Skyrockets to Record 7.5% — ECB Chief Lagarde Expects Energy Prices to ‘Stay Higher for Longer’

While inflation continues to roar in the U.S., the inflation rate in the eurozone tapped another high last month reaching 7.5% in March. Energy and food prices have soared throughout the 19 member state economies, and ​​European Central Bank president Christine Lagarde expects energy prices to “stay higher for longer.” Eurozone Inflation Continues to Climb, … Read more

Poll Suggests ECB May Wait Until Q4 to Raise Rates, Several Banks Expect a Series of Fed Rate Hikes This Year

A recently published Reuters poll suggests the European Central Bank (ECB) may wait until the last quarter of the year (Q4) to raise its first interest rate in over ten years. The poll’s author details that after the conflict in Ukraine, “fewer economists” predict the ECB will raise the benchmark bank rate earlier. Moreover, a … Read more

European Commission to Launch Digital Euro Consultations in March, Propose Bill Early Next Year

The executive arm of the EU is gearing up to start public consultations on the digital euro project next month. The European Commission will also prepare new legislation to establish the legal basis for the digital version of the common European fiat. A draft is expected in 2023. EU Finance Chief Announces Legislative Plan for … Read more

Euro Inflation Hits Record Highs, ECB Not in Rush to Raise Interest Rates

The European Central Bank is concerned over inflation in the euro area rising beyond its own expectations, a high-ranking ECB official has admitted. However, Europe’s monetary authority is not prepared to raise interest rates at this point in time, the executive unveiled. ECB Sees No Reason to Adjust Interest Rates Despite Eurozone Inflation Reaching 5% … Read more

Global Markets, Bitcoin Defy Expectations After Fed’s Hawkish Taper Plan Announcement

Global markets have defied predictions as the U.S. Federal Reserve and several central banks worldwide are prepping to slow down monetary easing policy. On Wednesday, the U.S. central bank’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) said it plans to taper quantitative easing (large monthly asset purchases) and end the program by March 2022. Moreover, the FOMC … Read more

Eurosystem Approves New Oversight Framework Concerning Crypto Services

The monetary authority of the euro area, the Eurosystem, has introduced a new framework for overseeing electronic payments, including services related to crypto assets. The new set of rules will complement upcoming EU regulations for cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. ECB Aims for Secure and Efficient Digital Payments Through Improved Oversight Following public consultations on the matter, … Read more