In brief
The European Central Bank announced plans to lift its main policy rate in December as it grapples with rising inflation and energy price pressures. Having already raised rates twice earlier in 2026, the ECB will maintain its deposit rate at 5.2% and is scheduled to meet on the 17th of the month to discuss policy. September inflation in the euro area rose to 8.3%, and the bank’s medium‑term goal remains 2.0%.
The European Central Bank is set to raise its main policy rate in December, the Saudi Press Agency reported, following two rate increases earlier this year to confront the surge in inflation and energy costs.
The agency noted that the ECB’s policy makers will keep the deposit rate unchanged at 5.2% while preparing further hikes.
According to the Saudi source, the ECB will hold its next monetary policy meeting on the 17th of the month to decide on the upcoming change.
Inflation in the euro area climbed to 8.3% in September, the highest in three years, a figure cited by the agency as a driver of the policy shift.
The central bank’s medium‑term target remains a 2.0% inflation rate for the euro zone, which now includes 21 countries.