Global Market: ECB seen holding rates steady while keeping September hike option open

The European Central Bank is expected to maintain current interest rates at its upcoming policy meeting. Policymakers will likely signal that further rate increases remain a possibility in September. This cautious approach comes as rising energy prices threaten to reignite inflationary pressures across the euro area. Financial markets are anticipating additional rate hikes, while wage growth and inflation expectations have shown signs of easing.