Will the ECB cut the deposit rate by at least 25bp by October 23, 2026?
The Condition
Fed cuts rates by at least 50bp total by September 2026 FOMC (to ≤3.25%)
Our Ensemble Estimates
Given Fed cuts ≥50bp by Sep: Will the ECB cut the deposit rate by at least 25bp by October 23, 2026?
Given Fed disappoints on cuts: Will the ECB cut the deposit rate by at least 25bp by October 23, 2026?
Causal Effect
Fed rate cuts worth ~29pp to ECB resuming easing — driven by EUR appreciation forcing HICP below target, activating ECB institutional mandate for symmetric inflation targeting
Why This Matters
Tests the self-limiting divergence feedback loop: Fed cuts strengthen the EUR, which compresses eurozone inflation below target (HICP projected at 1.9%, already at 1.7% in recent readings), potentially forcing the ECB into a defensive rate cut. The ECB has been on hold since mid-2025 at 2.00% after 8 prior cuts. If the Fed delivers ≥50bp, further EUR appreciation would amplify the disinflationary impulse on the eurozone economy, increasing pressure on the ECB to resume easing. This creates the paradoxical temporary gap re-widening scenario (15% probability per monetary-divergence lens) before eventual convergence.
Resolution Criteria
ECB announces a reduction of the deposit facility rate from its current level of 2.00% by at least 25bp at any Governing Council meeting through October 23, 2026
Source Analysis
February HICP flash estimate below 1.8% would strengthen the case for ECB resuming cuts, creating paradoxical temporary gap re-widening