Eurozone Inflation Drops to 2.2% in August, ECB Poised for Interest Rate Cuts

Inflation in the 20 European Union countries using the euro dropped to 2.2% in August. This development paves the way for the ECB to consider cutting interest rates to boost economic growth. Energy prices also fell, contributing to the lower inflation figure.

Inflation in the 20 European Union countries that use the euro fell sharply to 2.2 per cent in August, potentially signaling an opportunity for the European Central Bank to cut interest rates. Both the ECB and the US Federal Reserve are preparing to lower borrowing costs to stimulate growth and job creation.

According to figures released by Eurostat on Friday, the August inflation figure decreased from 2.6 per cent in July. This reduction was aided by a 3 per cent drop in energy prices. Notably, Germany, the eurozone's largest economy, saw its inflation rate fall to 2 per cent.

The current inflation rate is nearing the ECB's target of 2 per cent, a level considered optimal for the economy. The central bank is tasked with maintaining stable prices as per the European Union treaty. While economists predict the ECB to cut its key rate by a quarter point at its September 12 meeting, the Fed is also expected to reduce rates at its September 17-18 policy meeting, from their current 23-year high.

(With inputs from agencies.)