Citi Says Inflation Data Supports a Hawkish ECB Stance

The transcript discusses the implications of a hawkish Federal Reserve on the European Central Bank (ECB) and its upcoming meeting. It highlights the ECB's considerations regarding growth and inflation data, the potential end of quantitative easing, and the timing of future rate hikes. The discussion also covers the ECB's policy tools, including forward guidance, and the importance of market expectations.

What factors are influencing the European Central Bank's decision-making process as discussed in the text?

What is the significance of the inflation picture mentioned in relation to the ECB's stance?

What are the potential outcomes regarding the quantitative easing program that could be announced by the ECB?

What tools does the ECB have available to manage market expectations about future rate hikes?

How does the speaker perceive the relationship between the end of asset purchases and the first rate hike?