The European Central Bank is expected to keep its interest rates unchanged at its scheduled decision, according to reporting from both Ireland’s RTE and Free Malaysia Today. While the ECB is likely to pause further hikes now, the bank is also expected to signal that additional rate increases may still be required later. RTE reports that the ECB is expected to leave open the possibility of another hike in September, pointing to a new rise in energy prices that could add upward pressure to inflation. Free Malaysia Today adds that financial markets are pricing multiple further moves, with two to three additional ECB rate hikes expected over the coming months. It says the first of these is anticipated by October, followed by another by next April, reflecting market expectations that policy may tighten further if inflation risks persist. Taken together, the sources indicate a near-term pause, but with continued focus on inflation dynamics and sensitivity to energy-driven price changes. The ECB decision is therefore framed as both a hold and a conditional signal about the direction of future policy.