ECB holds key rate steady at 2.5% amid Lagarde's early exit | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah

The European Central Bank (ECB) held its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.5%, as expected, while warning that higher borrowing costs could hold back economic growth. "Financing conditions have tightened since the Governing Council's last meeting, which is likely to weigh on inflation and growth," the central bank for the 21-nation eurozone said in a statement. Shortly before announcing its interest rate decision, the ECB said its president, Christine Lagarde, would step down on Feb. 7, 2027, nearly nine months before her eight-year term was due to end in late October.