ECB delivers another rate cut

LONDON (Reuters) -The European Central Bank cut interest rates for the eighth time in a year on Thursday, acknowledging inflation was under control and turning more pessimistic about economic prospects amid risks of a trade war with the United States.

The ECB's key rate was lowered from 2.25% to 2.0%, the middle of the range that the central bank sees as "neutral" - neither curbing nor boosting the economy.

Market focus turned to the post-meeting news conference as traders try to assess whether the ECB will pause in July before cutting rates again by year-end.

The euro was little changed around $1.1426, while government bond yields dipped.

Germany's 2-year bond yield was last down 2 basis points (basis points) to 1.77%. The STOXX 600 index was last 0.3%, while banking stocks trimmed earlier falls.

COMMENTS:

IRENE LAURO, EUROZONE ECONOMIST, SCHRODERS:

"While the ECB delivered a widely expected rate cut today, we would not count on a follow-up next month. Inflation was lower than expected in May, with services inflation falling sharply. Yet, with no signs trade tariffs are weakening growth, we expect the ECB is likely to pause from today. Labour markets remain tight, domestic demand is gaining traction, lending is picking up, and fiscal tailwinds are building."

"With rates now at the midpoint of their estimated neutral range, the bar for further cuts has risen. Having already eased by 1.75% in this cycle, the ECB can afford to shift from urgency to patience."

MARCHEL ALEXANDROVICH, ECONOMIST, SALTMARSH ECONOMICS:

"The ECB delivers another 25-bp cut, and nudges rates to the middle of its 1.5% to 2.5% neutral range. Alongside, the updated quarterly economic forecasts show a slightly weaker GDP growth profile and lower headline inflation in 2025 and 2026."

"In light of these projections, the Governing Council should be in a position to cut rates again at the next meeting on 24 July. Although, of course, its response will partly depend on what happens after Trump’s 90-day tariffs pause comes to an end in early July."

NATASHA MAY, GLOBAL MARKET ANALYST, J.P. MORGAN ASSET MANAGEMENT:

"Huge uncertainty about the future of global trade might make the ECB’s ever-more data dependent approach look prudent. Today, the Governing Council stuck to its usual script, with a 25-bps rate cut accompanied by little to no guidance about the future policy path. But in our view, this strategy pays too little attention to the downside risks to inflation."

"Trade tensions look set to weigh more on euro zone activity – and therefore medium-term inflation – than they will directly boost prices. With inflationary pressures receding fast and growth headwinds picking up, the ECB is underestimating the risk of undershooting its target. While some Governing Council members are advocating for a July pause, the case for another rate cut is crystal-clear."

HUSSAIN MEHDI, DIRECTOR, INVESTMENT STRATEGY, HSBC ASSET MANAGEMENT:

"The ECB looks to be in an enviable position. Underlying inflation is back at pre-Russia/Ukraine levels and disinflation looks set to continue amid a stronger euro and lower oil and gas prices. Tariffs may also help keep prices in check, given they weigh on demand, and could result in more Chinese goods being diverted from the U.S. to Europe."

"Market pricing now shows a big gap between ECB and Fed rate cut expectations for 2025. Put simply, the Fed remains hamstrung by inflation amid the supply shock that is higher tariffs, and the impact of a weaker dollar. We think this keeps U.S. yields sticky, and the U.S. sto ack market volatile."

"European assets, on the other hand, look to benefit from a proactive ECB, just as Germany is unleashing a once-in-a-generation shift in its fiscal policy stance that we believe is likely to boost structural growth. We think these “policy puts” can provide a powerful catalyst to unlock value in many European stock markets on a longer-term basis. German Bunds also look like an attractive option for multi-asset investors looking to protect their portfolios against downside risks, just as the safe-haven attributes of U.S. Treasuries are increasingly under question."

DAVID ZAHN, HEAD OF EUROPEAN FIXED INCOME, FRANKLIN TEMPLETON:

"The ECB cut rates by 25 bps to 2%, as inflation eased to 1.9%, below target for the first time in over a year. Slowing price pressures and softer growth supported the move, though the policy stance remains cautious. A pause over summer is very likely as the ECB assesses trade risks and domestic resilience. Longer-term, fiscal rebalancing and external headwinds will shape the policy outlook to a more neutral policy stance.”

(Reporting by the Reuters Markets Team, Compiled by Dhara Ranasinghe; Editing by Amanda Cooper)