1400 GMT - An interest rate hike by the ECB in July isn't off the table, Carsten Brzeski at ING says in a note. "Until earlier this week, we would have argued that lower energy prices had taken the rate hike option entirely off the table for the ECB's July meeting--but some members might feel tempted to use the latest resurgence in higher energy prices as a reason to get things done as quickly as possible," he says. Surprisingly low inflation in June and a drop in oil prices could have caused some officials to question the need for further tightening. "However, the recent rebound in oil prices amid renewed Middle East tensions serves as a reminder that the inflation outlook remains far from settled," Brzeski says. (don.forbes@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 09, 2026 10:00 ET (14:00 GMT)

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