FRANKFURT, April 30 (Reuters) – The European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged as expected on Thursday but signalled its rising concerns over soaring inflation, bolstering bets it would lift rates several times this year with an initial move in June.
Following are highlights of ECB President Christine Lagarde’s comments at a press conference after the policy meeting.
OUTLOOK UNCERTAIN
“Domestic demand remains the main driver of growth, supported by a resilient labour market. However, the economic outlook is highly uncertain and will depend on how long the war in the Middle East lasts and how strongly it affects energy and other commodity markets as well as global supply chains.”
ECONOMY HAD SHOWN MOMENTUM BEFORE WAR
“The euro area economy was showing some momentum when the current turbulence started.”
(Reporting by Reuters Global News Desk)
