- 2d ago
Lagarde could be named World Economic Forum chair on 2 November, bringing forward her ECB exit
The World Economic Forum board meets on 2 November and could elect Christine Lagarde as chair, which would bring forward her departure from the European Central Bank ahead of its October 2027 term end.
- Oct 9
ECB policymakers dampen rate hike bets as Schnabel successor race opens
Euro zone finance ministers opened the process to replace Isabel Schnabel, who leaves the ECB on January 3, 2027, while several ECB policymakers said they are in no rush to raise rates again.
- Oct 2
Eurozone inflation reaches 3.8% in September as energy prices climb
Eurozone annual inflation rose to a three-year high of 3.8% in September 2026, exceeding forecasts after conflict in the Middle East drove energy prices up by 18.8%.
- Sep 24
ECB board member Isabel Schnabel resigns to join IMF as markets department director
Isabel Schnabel will step down from the European Central Bank Executive Board on 3 January 2027 to become the IMF's financial counsellor and markets director, leaving Frankfurt one year early.
- Sep 21
ECB launches Pontes platform to settle tokenized securities in central bank money
The European Central Bank began live operations of its Pontes system on 21 September 2026, enabling commercial banks to settle tokenized wholesale transactions with central bank money and confirming plans to invest its own reserves in tokenized debt.
- May 29
German inflation unexpectedly drops to 2.6% in May as fuel discount takes effect, but ECB rate hike looms
Germany's annual inflation rate fell to 2.6% in May from 2.9% in April, defying economist expectations, as a temporary fuel tax cut and lower crude oil prices eased pressure on consumers.
- May 26
ECB officials signal June rate hike as Iran war drives inflation toward 4% and economic outlook darkens
Top European Central Bank officials Isabel Schnabel and Philip Lane have delivered their clearest warnings yet that interest rates will rise in June, as the Iran war pushes eurozone inflation toward 4% and the macroeconomic outlook deteriorates.
