The ECB is getting toward a position of priming the markets for a future rate increase, but they don't want to say that explicitly because there have been false dawns before.

Hopes of a change after the likely election in September, the stock markets and the global economy are all contributing to what is a significant increase.

They are marked by different traditions and they have a stronger Anglo-Saxon background.

It really is a case of taking a sledge hammer to crack a nut.

There seems to be acceptance that the big three central banks envisage further tightening. The G-10 appears confident about the pace of economic expansion.

This is very bad timing for the euro, and the report won't go down well with finance ministers or the European Commission, which is firmly against relaxation.

This is the moment of reckoning for the dollar. Europe is at last returning to normal growth.

Any move could be counter productive for OPEC, ... They need strong economies to maintain demand.

There would have been disappointment if the Bank didn't act today, ... Inflation is low and under control and the ECB is quite concerned about the economic outlook.

There would have been disappointment if the Bank didn't act today. Inflation is low and under control and the ECB is quite concerned about the economic outlook.