Tariffs and the Euro's Surge: ECB Vice President Speaks Out

The European Central Bank's Vice President, Luis de Guindos, spoke about the economic challenges facing the euro zone as U.S. tariffs and a surging euro weigh on growth. Despite these hurdles, de Guindos downplayed fears of inflation dropping too low and highlighted the balanced risks for euro zone inflation.

The recent rise in the euro against the dollar, reaching its highest level in four years, raised concerns among exporters. However, de Guindos assured that the exchange rate increase has been steady and not a significant challenge at its current level. He also expressed confidence that euro zone inflation would rebound to the ECB's 2% target.

Addressing the possibility of the euro challenging the U.S. dollar's global dominance, de Guindos pointed to the euro zone's lack of necessary infrastructure for such a shift. Despite ongoing debates about U.S. economic policies, de Guindos highlighted the reliability of the U.S. Federal Reserve and its importance in maintaining the dollar's status.

(With inputs from agencies.)