European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Peter Kazimir said on Wednesday that he would prefer the ECB to start cutting rates in June, followed by a smooth and steady cycle of policy easing, per Reuters.

Key takeaways

"Headline disinflation is going quicker than expected but core is still uncertain."

"ECB to acknowledge improved inflation outlook but should avoid forward guidance on rates in March."

"Market's rate cut pricing now is more realistic, pleased with recent shift in expectations."

"Economic soft landing base case but growth problems structural, not due to high rates."

"Framework review should resurrect interbank funding market, limit size of structural portfolio."

Market reaction

EUR/USD edged slightly higher from session lows after these remarks and was last seen losing 0.3% on the day at 1.0812.