Surprisingly quick oil price retreat eases urgency for ECB to act, sources say

Energy prices have retreated faster than expected over the past week, easing pressure on European Central Bank policymakers to raise rates in the next month. However, four Reuters sources say the case for a small hike later on remains firm, implying a more drawn-out or conditional tightening path rather than immediate action.

Analysis

Energy prices have retreated faster than expected over the past week, easing pressure on European Central Bank policymakers to raise rates in the next month. However, four Reuters sources say the case for a small hike later on remains firm, implying a more drawn-out or conditional tightening path rather than immediate action.