Sources familiar with the matter indicate that policymakers at the European Central Bank anticipate further interest rate hikes, with the next move potentially occurring as early as October. While the final decision is still contingent on upcoming economic data, insiders suggest that additional monetary tightening may be required to bring down inflation, which remains above the 3% threshold.

Some of these individuals caution that market expectations for three more rate increases by the ECB might be overly optimistic. They point to December as a potentially more suitable timeframe for the next hike, as the meeting at that time will also include updated economic projections extending through 2029. The ECB's communications office declined to provide a formal response when reached for comment.