Energy prices take center stage as the ECB prepares to decide on rates

The European Central Bank is expected to hike interest rates on Thursday, as policymakers address the threat of second-round inflation effects amid elevated energy prices.

Unlike the Fed, the ECB has a single mandate — keeping inflation close to a target of 2% — and recent data shows an uptick in both its headline and core readings.

Headline euro zone inflation rose to 3.2% in April as energy prices soared 10.9% year-on-year. The euro zone is a major energy importer and the bloc is particularly vulnerable to the surge in oil prices sparked by the Iran war.

But core inflation also rose to 2.5% in April, primarily driven by higher services costs. That's a major concern for the ECB as this could be the first signs of second-round effects.

The ECB is also concerned that tighter monetary policy could push the euro zone from feeble growth to outright recession. Nevertheless, the bank's Governing Council is expected to hike its key deposit rate by 25 basis points to 2.25%.