Euro-Zone Inflation Expectations Rise to 3%, Adding to ECB Pressure
欧元区消费者通胀预期升至3%，欧央行或需再加息
Inflation expectations among euro-area households rose in August, a sign that the European Central Bank may have to raise interest rates further, a monthly survey showed on September 18. Consumers said they expect prices to rise 3 percent over the next year, up from 2.9 percent in July, according to the ECB’s Consumer Expectations Survey. Longer-term expectations held steady. The increase comes weeks after the ECB raised its key rates by 25 basis points on September 10, its second hike this year, as the Middle East conflict keeps pushing energy prices up. The deposit rate now stands at 2.50 percent. Analysts say firmer inflation expectations could keep the bank on a tightening path into next year.
欧洲央行9月18日公布的月度调查显示，欧元区家庭对通胀的预期在8月有所上升，这可能迫使欧洲央行进一步加息。调查显示，消费者预计未来一年物价将上涨3%，高于7月的2.9%，更长期预期则保持稳定。此前，欧洲央行已于9月10日将三大关键利率上调25个基点，这是今年第二次加息，主要因为中东局势持续推高能源价格。目前欧元区存款机制利率为2.50%。分析人士认为，通胀预期走高可能使欧央行在明年继续维持紧缩路径。
