Lagarde speech: We did not discuss rate cuts

Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), explains the ECB's decision to leave the key interest rates unchanged in December and responds to questions from the press.

Key quotes

"We did not discuss rate cuts."

"Between hikes and cuts, there is a plateau of hold."

"Who wants to hang on for too long? Equally, we don't think it's time to lower our guard, there is still work to be done."

"This can take the form of holding rates."

About ECB's press conference

Following the ECB´s monetary policy decisions, the ECB President delivers a prepared statement and responds to questions from the press on the policy outlook. Her comments may influence the volatility of EUR and determine a short-term positive or negative trend. Her hawkish view is considered as positive, or bullish for the EUR, whereas her dovish view is considered as negative, or bearish.