比利时央行行长警告欧元区通胀下行风险 支持温和政策立场

Core Viewpoint - The Governor of the Belgian Central Bank, Pierre Wunsch, highlighted the risk of inflation in the Eurozone remaining persistently below the European Central Bank's (ECB) target of 2% due to a bleak economic growth outlook and multiple factors exerting pressure on inflation [1][2]. Group 1: Monetary Policy - Since June of last year, the ECB has cut interest rates by a total of 200 basis points to the current "neutral" rate of 2%, but Wunsch believes this level may be insufficient to address current challenges [1]. - He emphasized the necessity of providing additional policy support if economic recovery continues to be delayed and output remains below potential levels [1]. Group 2: Currency and Inflation Risks - The recent rise of the euro against the dollar to 1.18, the highest level since the end of 2021, has suppressed inflation and posed pressure on economic growth [1]. - Wunsch identified several risk factors contributing to downward pressure on inflation, including cheap imports, low energy prices, lack of tariff retaliation, a strong euro, and slowing wage growth [1]. Group 3: Economic Outlook - The ECB forecasts that inflation will remain below the target for 18 months starting from the third quarter of 2025, with expectations that it will only return to the 2% target level by early 2027 [1]. - Financial markets anticipate that the deposit rate may drop to 1.75% within this year [1]. - Despite these challenges, Wunsch expressed confidence in the resilience of the Eurozone economy and suggested that concerns about excessive rate cuts should not be overstated [1]. Group 4: Fiscal Policy - Wunsch specifically mentioned Germany's large-scale fiscal expansion plan, describing it as having "significant disruptive implications," and believes that countries capable of implementing fiscal stimulus will provide important boosts to the economy [2]. - Recent Eurozone Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data also showed some optimistic signs, further supporting his cautiously optimistic outlook on future economic developments [2].