Goldman Sachs expects ECB rate hikes in April and June as inflation concerns mount

Goldman Sachs said on Monday it ​expects the European ‌Central Bank to deliver two 25 basis point ​interest rate hikes ​in April and June, joining ⁠peers J.P.Morgan and Barclays ​as policymakers signal inflation ​risks driven by the Middle East war.

The brokerage ​previously expected the ​central bank to maintain rates ‌steady ⁠throughout this year.

At its March policy meeting, the ECB left interest rates unchanged ​but indicated ​that ⁠it was closely watching growth ​and inflation risks ​posed ⁠by surging oil prices and was ready ⁠to ​act if necessary.