ECB Raises Rates, Fed Signals Possible Hike Before Year-End

The European Central Bank (ECB) raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, while the Bank of Japan increased rates to their highest level since 1995. The U.S. Federal Reserve left rates unchanged but indicated that nine officials foresee at least one increase by year-end, a shift from earlier projections in March. These policy changes, primarily aimed at controlling inflation due to energy market disruptions, may reduce liquidity support for global equity markets. Barclays analysts caution that a more aggressive tightening from the Fed could impact bullish equity market returns, marking a significant change in the monetary policy landscape.