European Central Bank Cuts Rates for Fourth Time in 2024 to Support Weak Economic Growth

ECB Cuts Key Rates to Stimulate Economic Activity

The European Central Bank (ECB) has implemented its fourth interest rate cut of 2024, lowering its deposit rate by 25 basis points to 3%. This decision is part of the ECB’s broader strategy to revive sluggish economic growth in the Eurozone by encouraging borrowing, investment, and consumer spending.

In addition to the deposit rate cut, the ECB has reduced two other key rates:

• Main refinancing rate (for loans borrowed by banks weekly): 3.15%
• Marginal lending facility rate (for emergency overnight credit): 3.4%

These adjustments reflect the ECB’s commitment to support economic activity in an environment of weak growth, despite progress in reducing inflation.

Eurozone Economic Growth Remains Subdued

The ECB’s decision to ease monetary policy underscores growing concerns over persistent low economic growth across the Eurozone. While inflation is nearing the ECB’s 2% target, the European Commission forecasts only 0.8% GDP growth in 2024 and 1.3% in 2025.

ECB President Christine Lagarde acknowledged that inflation control remains important but emphasized the need to stimulate economic recovery. Since June 2024, the ECB has pursued a series of interest rate cuts to balance price stability and economic expansion.

Economic Outlook and Risks for 2025

The ECB faces significant uncertainties heading into 2025, including:

• Political instability in major Eurozone economies
• Upcoming US elections, which could shift global economic dynamics
• Potential external shocks that could impact inflation trends and recovery

While investors speculate whether additional rate cuts will follow in 2025, the ECB has signaled that the latest reduction may be the final move of 2024. However, if economic conditions fail to improve, further monetary easing could be on the table.

ECB President Lagarde’s upcoming press conference is expected to provide more clarity on the central bank’s future policy direction and whether further stimulus measures will be necessary.