EU inflation data spoils ECB dovish expectations
The euro is experiencing a third successive decline against the pound sterling, with the EURGBP pair rising sharply at 0.8531, notching a 0.26% gain. Eurozone inflation data, both headline and core HICP, exceeded forecasts, potentially impacting the timing of the ECB’s easing cycle. Spain’s HICP data came in higher than expected at 3.8% YoY, while Germany’s HICP harmonised inflation rate increased to 2.8% YoY. The EU’s block figures also rose, indicating unexpected inflation pressures that may lead the ECB to reconsider its dovish stance.