ECB hike contains 'dovish shift' as bank instability fears remain

Credit Suisse concerns

The European Central Bank hiked interest rates by 50 basis points to 3% today (16 March), despite fears that a crisis in Credit Suisse could spread throughout the rest of the financial sector.

Markets reacted passively to the decision, with the Eurostoxx 600 remaining flat following the opening bump the index received following the news that Credit Suisse would receive a $54bn lifeline from Swiss National Bank, which has since declined throughout the day. The Eurostoxx's banking index is similarly calm, rising 0.7% today. Katharine Neiss, chief European economist at PGIM Fixed Income, said the decision from the ECB contained "all the key elements" she was looking for. She highlighted these as the committal to the 50bps hike, with no mention of any accelerating of quantit...