The European Central Bank lowered interest rates on Thursday for the first time in nearly five years, signaling the end of its aggressive policy to stamp out a surge in inflation.
As inflation returned within sight of the bank’s 2 percent target, officials cut their three key interest rates, which apply across all 20 countries that use the euro.
The benchmark deposit rate was lowered to 3.75 percent from 4 percent, the highest in the bank’s 26-year history and where the rate had been set since September.
“It is now appropriate to moderate the degree of monetary policy restriction.”There is growing evidence around the world that policymakers believe high interest rates have been effective at restraining economies to slow inflation.
Now, they are lowering rates, which could provide some relief to businesses and households by making it cheaper to obtain loans.
Organizations:
European Central Bank