European Central Bank Governing Council member Yannis Stournaras says the likelihood of an additional rate hike is smaller than previously expected. In comments reported by Bloomberg and the Financial Post, he points to an unexpectedly large decline in energy prices and signs of slowing inflation across the euro zone as key reasons. Stournaras indicates these developments may reduce the need for the ECB to make further adjustments to interest rates following its June increase. The assessment centers on incoming data, particularly the impact of lower energy costs on the inflation outlook and the broader trend of easing price pressures in the euro-area economy. While he does not rule out policy changes, his remarks suggest that current conditions shift the probability away from another hike in the near term. The reports present the same core message from Stournaras across both outlets, emphasizing the role of energy price dynamics and inflation figures in shaping the ECB’s rate-hike considerations.