Mitsubishi UFJ Bank: The European Central Bank may favor interest rate hikes to support the euro, as energy inflation risks remain.

(1) Mitsubishi UFJ Bank forex analyst Derek Halpenny pointed out that, due to persistently high inflation risks, the European Central Bank may still be inclined to further raise interest rates, which will provide support for the euro. (2) He particularly emphasized that although crude oil tanker shipments are rebounding, liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments have not recovered simultaneously; since the US-Iran extended ceasefire agreement and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the drop in energy prices has not been sufficient to eliminate inflation risks related to energy.