EUROPEAN MARKETS FALL AHEAD OF EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK’S DECISION
Written by Olakunle Oke on April 17, 2025
European stock markets declined today as investors await the latest monetary policy decision from the European Central Bank (ECB).
The Stoxx 600 index dropped by 0.66% as of 10:11 a.m. London time, with nearly all sectors recording losses — except oil and gas.
A notable exception on the trading floor was Siemens Energy, whose shares surged by 12% after the company raised its fiscal 2025 outlook, offering some relief amid the broader market decline.
Investors are watching closely as the ECB is widely expected to implement a third interest rate cut this year. Analysts anticipate a quarter-point reduction, which would bring the central bank’s key deposit facility rate down to 2.25%.
This anticipated policy move comes amid growing concerns about the euro zone’s sluggish economic growth, as well as broader global uncertainties surrounding trade and tariffs.
