European Central Bank board member Kocher: Currently, we have not seen a second round of inflation.

European Central Bank Governing Council member Martin Kocher, in an interview with Boersen Zeitung, stated that the central bank is closely monitoring the indirect price impacts and possible second-round effects of the Middle East conflict. The ECB has not yet seen second-round effects, but must adjust monetary policy according to expectations, with market expectations currently being highly uncertain. Kocher stated that the ECB is prepared to take action if necessary. He reiterated that the next interest rate decision will discuss the options of maintaining or raising rates, with decisions made based on existing data at each meeting. The ECB's communication provides necessary flexibility. Kocher stated that the Eurozone economy is not far off from baseline forecasts, with oil prices slightly lower than expected in recent weeks but the Middle East conflict has escalated again.