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ECB keeps rates unchanged to assess impact of war on inflation
AR🏛️ PoliticsCenter22 hr. ago

ECB keeps rates unchanged to assess impact of war on inflation

The European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to keep interest rates unchanged, waiting for new data to assess whether inflationary pressures from the war between the United States and Iran require further tightening of monetary policy. The deposit rate remains at 2.25%, aligning with economists' expectations who anticipate a potential 25 basis point increase in September. ECB President Lagarde stated that the European economy is positioned between a baseline scenario and a more adverse one. The ECB emphasized that it will make decisions meeting by meeting based on available information, noting high uncertainty regarding the full impact of the energy shock. The bank reiterated that it is well-positioned to manage the situation. Bond markets showed minimal reaction to the decision, with the yield on 10-year German bonds rising slightly. Expectations for future interest rate hikes remain stable, with swaps indicating a likely 25-basis-point increase in September and another later in the year. The ECB's restrictive stance places it ahead of other G7 central banks, which have yet to raise rates since the start of the U.S.-Iran conflict.

The Argentine government has announced the payment of a fixed bonus of up to $70,000 for August 2026 to retirees and pensioners with lower incomes. The measure was formalized through Decree 686/2026, signed by President Javier Milei and published in the Official Gazette this Thursday. This bonus will be added to the 1.9% increase in pensions and retirements corresponding to June’s inflation rate, bringing the minimum monthly income to approximately $419,776. Those who receive the full $70,000 bonus will see their total income rise to around $489,776. The bonus, which has remained unchanged since March 2024, does not form part of the mobility formula used to adjust pensions according to inflation. As such, it stays fixed while basic retirement payments increase monthly. The bonus is intended for individuals whose combined benefits equal or fall below the minimum pension level. Eligible recipients include those receiving contributory pensions managed by ANSES, the Universal Pension for the Elderly (PUAM), non-contributory pensions for old age or disability, and other non-contributory or granted pensions administered by ANSES. Those earning more than the minimum but less than the sum of the minimum and the $70,000 bonus will receive a proportional amount to reach the maximum guaranteed income. The bonus is described as non-redeemable and will not be deducted from any other benefit. It must remain active during the month of payment. In cases of shared pensions, all co-beneficiaries will be considered a single recipient for determining the payment. Since its implementation in March 2024, the bonus has been paid monthly without adjustment, leading to a growing gap between beneficiaries of the bonus and those fully covered by the inflation-based update system. According to estimates cited previously by Perfil, if the bonus had kept pace with inflation since its introduction, its value could have reached around $220,000. The current amount represents less than one-third of that figure. Another calculation indicates that the bonus should be approximately $159,703 to maintain its purchasing power from March 2024. This means the benefit has suffered a real loss of 56.2% since its last update. The freeze also affects the total income of retirees who receive the minimum pension. While their base pension adjusts with inflation, a portion of their income remains fixed, resulting in an effective update that falls short of the IPC. In terms of real terms, the minimum pension with the bonus is projected to be 9.1% lower than November 2023 and show an annual decline of 4.5%. These figures highlight the ongoing challenges faced by low-income retirees under the current economic framework. Separately, the government has announced reforms to the Central Bank's Organic Charter, aiming to redefine its role with a stronger emphasis on currency stability, prohibition of financing to the Treasury, and increased institutional independence. Economists warn that these changes could reduce the Bank’s ability to respond effectively to exceptional situations. The proposed reforms align with similar measures in countries like Peru, where such restrictions are constitutionally established. However, critics argue that limiting the Bank’s intervention capabilities poses risks, particularly in managing potential crises. Economist Pablo Das Neves highlighted that the reform aims to send a signal of seriousness regarding monetary policy, moving away from fiscal dominance. He cautioned against overestimating the impact of the reform, noting that it does not constitute a magical solution. Instead, he viewed it as a market-oriented consolidation of economic policies. Das Neves also pointed out a contradiction in President Milei’s stance, as the president initially advocated dismantling the Central Bank before shifting towards strengthening it. Miguel Ángel Pesce, former head of the Central Bank, warned that pushing the institution toward an unprecedented level of restriction could lead to severe consequences. He emphasized that removing the Bank’s ability to conduct open market operations would significantly limit its capacity to manage economic fluctuations. Pesce noted that unlike institutions such as the U.S. Federal Reserve, which balances price stability with full employment, the new Argentine model would focus solely on preserving the value of money. The Chamber of Commerce of Argentina supported the reform, stating that a healthy currency is essential for the progress of both the business sector and the country as a whole. The chamber criticized past practices where the Central Bank was frequently used to finance fiscal imbalances, leading to high inflation and economic instability. They welcomed the move to reinforce responsible fiscal and monetary policies, ensuring long-term stability and reducing government discretion.

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7 reports

Perfil logoPerfilIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 85yesterday
The bond that does not move: ANSES pensioners will receive $70,000 again in August

The Argentine government has officially announced an extraordinary pension bonus of up to $70,000 for retirees and low-income pensioners, set to be paid in August 2026. This amount has remained unchanged since March 2024, making it increasingly insignificant compared to rising prices. The measure was established through Decree 686/2026 signed by President Javier Milei and published in the Official Gazette. The bonus will be added to the 1.9% increase in pensions and retirements corresponding to June’s inflation rate, raising the minimum pension to approximately $419,776. Those receiving the full $70,000 bonus will get around $489,776 in August. However, unlike regular pension adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (IPC), this bonus remains fixed while basic pensions rise with inflation. The bonus applies to those earning equal to or less than the minimum pension, including various types of contributions and non-contributory pensions. Those earning more than the minimum but less than the combined total of the minimum pension plus $70,000 will receive a proportional bonus.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about a government decree regarding a pension bonus, providing details on eligibility, amounts, and implementation. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The content is neutral in tone, focusing on the policy

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports the minimum pension increase and the impact of the bonus, referencing the primary source document. It provides precise figures and explains how the bonus affects different types of pensions, showing high factual accuracy.

Why objectivity (85): The tone is mostly neutral, though there is a slight emphasis on the financial implications of the bonus, which may suggest a mild editorial preference.

Perfil logoPerfilIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 753 days ago
Reform of the Central Bank: Warning on the risks of limiting its intervention capacity

The Argentine government has announced a reform to the Central Bank's Organic Charter aimed at redefining its role by emphasizing monetary stability, prohibiting Treasury financing, and increasing institutional independence. Economist Pablo Das Neves analyzed the potential effects, noting that the reform would restrict the Central Bank’s ability to respond to crises and could lead to reduced flexibility in monetary policy. He highlighted that while the move aims to signal commitment to monetary discipline, it contrasts with former President Javier Milei’s earlier rhetoric of dismantling the institution. Das Neves warned that limiting the Central Bank’s interventionist tools could pose risks during economic shocks, such as banking runs, if not carefully managed.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced analysis of the proposed reform, highlighting both its intended benefits (enhanced credibility, monetary stability) and its potential drawbacks (reduced crisis response capacity). The framing remains neutral, avoiding overt ideological slant, and relies on expert研判而非党

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the proposed reforms to the Central Bank's Organic Charter, including the emphasis on currency stability, prohibition of financing the Treasury, and increased institutional independence. It cites Pablo Das Neves as an economist analyzing the potential effects, and ment

Why objectivity (75): The article presents the views of Pablo Das Neves without overt bias but includes phrases like 'mandar una señal al mercado' and references to Milei's initial discourse as 'paradójico,' which introduces a subtle evaluative tone. The overall framing remains relatively neutral.

La Nación logoLa NaciónIndependent🔒ConservativeFactual 85Objective 7210 days ago
More deregulation: Government prepares new reform package and considers asking for six months of delegated powers

The Argentine government has prepared a new package of economic deregulation reforms aimed at modifying historical rules in sensitive sectors of the economy. The proposed changes include adjustments in areas such as drug sales, river navigation, the real estate market, rural rentals, the wine industry, the book market, gas cylinder regulations, the financial system, public translators, and cooperatives. The goal is to reduce costs, increase competition, and remove entry barriers in these economic activities. The government is considering requesting six months of delegated legislative powers to implement further deregulations by decree. This proposal comes from the Ministry of Deregulation and State Transformation, led by Federico Sturzenegger, and awaits approval from President Javier Milei before being sent to Congress. Previous initiatives, such as those related to private property and the 'Hojarasca' project, have faced delays in the Senate.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the government's deregulation efforts as a proactive move toward reducing economic barriers and increasing competition, which aligns with right-leaning economic policies emphasizing free-market principles. It highlights the government’s push for legislative powers to expedite the削

Why factuality (85): The article reports on a proposed economic deregulation package prepared by the government, citing sources within the Ministry of Deregulation and State Transformation led by Federico Sturzenegger. It mentions specific sectors targeted for change and references ongoing discussions with President Mil

Why objectivity (72): The article presents the government's plans as factual but uses terms like 'evalúa enviar al Congreso' and 'debates acalorados' which may imply a certain political stance. The mention of stalled projects like 'Hojarasca' and the emphasis on deregulation could be seen as subtly favoring the governmen

Perfil logoPerfilIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 708 days ago
ECB keeps rates unchanged to assess impact of war on inflation

The European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to keep interest rates unchanged, waiting for new data to assess whether inflationary pressures from the war between the United States and Iran require further tightening of monetary policy. The deposit rate remains at 2.25%, aligning with economists' expectations who anticipate a potential 25 basis point increase in September. ECB President Lagarde stated that the European economy is positioned between a baseline scenario and a more adverse one. The ECB emphasized that it will make decisions meeting by meeting based on available information, noting high uncertainty regarding the full impact of the energy shock. The bank reiterated that it is well-positioned to manage the situation. Bond markets showed minimal reaction to the decision, with the yield on 10-year German bonds rising slightly. Expectations for future interest rate hikes remain stable, with swaps indicating a likely 25-basis-point increase in September and another later in the year. The ECB's restrictive stance places it ahead of other G7 central banks, which have yet to raise rates since the start of the U.S.-Iran conflict.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the ECB's decision to maintain interest rates without overtly favoring any particular political perspective. It includes quotes from ECB officials and mentions economic indicators without apparent bias toward specific political ideologies. The framing is neutral, focusing on the

Why factuality (85): The article reports that the European Central Bank (BCE) kept interest rates unchanged, aligning with economic forecasts. It mentions Lagarde’s statement about the European economy being between baseline and adverse scenarios, which is consistent with typical ECB communication. The article also refe

Why objectivity (70): The article presents the ECB's decision in a neutral manner, citing statements from officials and market reactions. However, the inclusion of the phrase 'Esto no les gusta a los autoritarios' introduces an ideological tone not directly related to the main content, suggesting potential bias or a misp

Perfil logoPerfilIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 80yesterday
Miguel Ángel Pesce: "There is no country in the world that has an Organic Charter of the Central Bank as Milei proposes"

Economist Miguel Ángel Pesce discusses the proposed changes to the Argentine Central Bank's Organic Charter by President Javier Milei, emphasizing the risks of removing the bank's ability to conduct open market operations. Pesce highlights his extensive experience leading the Central Bank under different regulatory frameworks, including the 2012 reform that expanded its powers. He critiques Milei's proposal as unprecedented globally and warns against moving the Central Bank toward an extreme position. The interview, conducted by Modo Fontevecchia, covers economic history, monetary policy debates, and the importance of long-term political consensus for economic stability.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced discussion of the proposed changes to the Central Bank's charter, featuring economist Miguel Ángel Pesce's critique of President Milei's plan without overtly endorsing any particular political stance. While the topic involves a politically charged issue, the framing,措

Why factuality (75): The article accurately identifies Net TV as an association between Perfil Network S.A. and Kuarzo Entertainment Group, aligning with the primary document. It also correctly mentions Kuarzo as the successor to Endemol Argentina. However, it does not explicitly reference the legal agreement or the spe

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the interview with Miguel Ángel Pesce in a largely neutral manner, focusing on his economic analysis and background. The title introduces a subjective phrase 'Esto no les gusta a los autoritarios' which may imply bias but is not directly tied to the content of the interview itse

Perfil logoPerfilIndependentCenter22 hr. ago
The Argentine Chamber of Commerce supported the reform of the Central Bank announced by Milei: "Satisfaction"

The Argentine Chamber of Commerce (CAC) publicly supported the central bank reform announced by President Javier Milei, expressing satisfaction with the initiative aimed at restoring monetary stability. The CAC emphasized that a healthy currency is essential for economic progress and criticized past practices where the central bank was used to finance fiscal imbalances, leading to high inflation and social hardship. They praised the current administration’s responsible fiscal and monetary policies but urged institutional reforms to limit government discretion and prevent future inflationary pressures.

Bias read (Center): While the article supports Milei's reform and criticizes past government actions, it does not overtly favor one political ideology over another. The framing remains balanced, focusing on economic principles rather than partisan politics. The CAC's stance is presented as a professional and objective,

Infobae logoInfobaeIndependentCenteryesterday
BCRA reform: what are the five keys of the project announced by the President

The article discusses the reform proposal of the Central Bank of Argentina (BCRA) announced by the President. It outlines five key points of the project, focusing on changes to monetary policy, financial regulation, and economic stability measures. The reform aims to address inflationary pressures and improve the central bank’s operational efficiency. While the article provides an overview of the proposed reforms, it does not delve into specific details or stakeholder reactions. The focus remains on the structural changes intended to stabilize the economy.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the reform proposal as a neutral update, outlining the main elements without overtly favoring any political ideology. It focuses on factual information about the reform's structure and goals rather than taking a clear ideological stance. There is no strong emphasis on partisan角度

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