The European Central Bank is likely to maintain key interest rates this Thursday, opting for caution while assessing the long-term impact of inflation linked to the conflict in the Middle East. President Christine Lagarde has emphasised the need for more data before adjusting monetary policy, as the uncertainty surrounding the conflict makes it difficult to predict its economic effects. While energy prices have risen due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, markets currently view this as a temporary shock. Consequently, the ECB is expected to keep the deposit rate at 2%, with analysts suggesting that any potential rate hikes may be deferred until June.