Lagarde speech: High energy costs to make firms, households reluctant to invest

Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), explains the ECBs decision to leave key rates unchanged at the April policy meeting and responds to questions from the press.

Key takeaways

“Economy was showing momentum before current turbulence.”

“Domestic demand remains main driver of growth.”

“Outlook highly uncertain.”

“Incoming info suggests that conflict is weighing on activity.”

“Business less confident about future.”

“Supply chains coming under pressure.”

“High energy to weigh on incomes.”

“High energy costs to make firms, households reluctant to invest.”

“Labour demand has cooled further.”

“Households in solid financial position.”

“Favourable starting point provides some cushioning.”

“Fiscal responses should be temporary, targeted, tailored.”

“Indicators of underlying inflation have changed little in recent months.”

“Wage tracker indicates easing labour costs.”

“Surveys indicate rise in other costs.”

“Most measures of longer term inflation expectations stand around 2%.”

“Increase in energy prices will keep inflation well above 2% in near term.”

“Will closely monitor size and impact of energy price surge.”

“Risks to growth are tilted to the downside.”