Frankfurt, April 30, 2026 ECB keeps deposit rate at 2.0% as inflation rises
The European Central Bank (ECB) has maintained its key deposit rate at 2.0%, despite mounting inflationary pressures and rising energy prices linked to geopolitical instability.
Inflation Concerns Mount in Eurozone
The ECB's decision comes as inflation in the eurozone continues to climb, with consumer prices in April estimated to be 3.0% higher than the same month last year, according to Eurostat. This follows a March inflation rate of 2.6%, already well above the ECB's medium-term target of 2.0%.
Financial markets anticipate three potential rate hikes of 0.25 percentage points each by the end of the year, reflecting growing concerns over persistent inflation. The ECB acknowledged these pressures, stating: *"Je länger der Krieg anhält und je länger die Energiepreise auf hohem Niveau bleiben, desto stärker wird sich dies voraussichtlich auf die allgemeine Inflation und die Wirtschaft auswirken"* ("The longer the war continues and the longer energy prices remain high, the more likely this will impact general inflation and the economy").