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Eurozone Main Refinancing Rate Continues to Rise, Reaching 2.65% in Q3 2026 to Combat Inflation

2026-09-14

In the third quarter of 2026, the European Central Bank (ECB) once again moved to tighten monetary policy, raising the main refinancing operations rate (MRO) by 25 basis points from the previous 2.4% to 2.65%, in line with widespread market expectations. This move highlights policymakers' strong determination to defend price stability in the face of persistently high inflation.

In this interest rate decision, aside from the MRO rising to 2.65%, the deposit facility rate (DF) and the marginal lending facility rate (MLF) were simultaneously increased by 25 basis points, reaching 2.50% and 2.90%, respectively. Additionally, the ECB released its latest macroeconomic projections, maintaining the inflation forecast for 2026 at 3.0%, but revising the 2027 estimate upward to 2.5%, and projecting economic growth in 2026 to marginally rise to 0.9%.

The core factor driving this rate hike is the continuously worsening energy shock. According to a report by The Guardian, intensifying conflicts in the Middle East (such as the Strait of Hormuz) have caused Brent crude oil prices to briefly surpass $105 per barrel, while European wholesale natural gas prices have also surged significantly. In its post-meeting statement, the ECB explicitly stated that geopolitical conflicts continue to generate inflationary pressures, keeping the overall price level well above the 2% target for an extended period.

Looking at the short term (1-2 months), the market will face direct shocks to the energy supply chain, and drastic fluctuations in oil and gas prices could trigger imported inflation at any time, thereby suppressing the Eurozone's consumption momentum and manufacturing recovery. Over the medium term (3-6 months), institutions are taking a more hawkish view on the future interest rate path; for example, analysts at UBS have adjusted their forecasts, suggesting there may be room for another 25-basis-point rate hike before the end of the year (December), pushing rates to even higher levels. Investors should remain vigilant about the downside risks to economic growth caused by the high-interest-rate environment.

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