European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said the bank is likely to keep interest rates unchanged in the near term as policymakers wait for clearer economic signals. She pointed to ongoing uncertainty in the global economy and said the ECB needs more data before deciding on any policy move.

Lagarde’s remarks suggest the central bank is in no rush to alter borrowing costs after a series of previous adjustments. The message is consistent with a cautious approach as officials assess inflation trends, growth prospects, and the impact of external shocks on the eurozone.

For businesses and households across the bloc, a steady-rate stance would mean little immediate change in financing conditions. Investors will now watch upcoming ECB meetings and economic indicators for signs of whether the bank is preparing to shift course later in the year.

The comments underscore the ECB’s emphasis on stability at a time when policymakers face uneven growth and persistent uncertainty in global markets.