ECB to hold rates but may discuss quicker bond portfolio run-off

Price pressures are easing and the economy is slowing to a point that a recession may already be underway, making any further rate hikes increasingly unlikely. — Reuters

FRANKFURT: The European Central Bank (ECB) will keep interest rates unchanged at a record high, snapping a 15-month streak of hikes, but may discuss a quicker reduction of its oversized portfolio of government debt as it battles excessive inflation.

The ECB has lifted rates at each of its past 10 meetings to combat runaway prices but signalled a pause last month as the fastest pace of policy tightening is finally starting to have an impact.