The ECB maintained its borrowing costs at 2% during its March meeting, citing uncertainty from the Middle East conflict affecting inflation and economic growth. Energy prices surged, with natural gas and crude oil reaching multi-year highs due to Iranian strikes. Financial markets reacted negatively, with early losses in European indices, while the euro rose slightly. The decision impacts mortgage and loan rates for the eurozone, with potential rate hikes anticipated later this year. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)