[European Central Bank Likely to Raise Rates Again This Week, But Adopts a Cautious Stance on Future Actions] Reported by Golden Finance, on September 8, the European Central Bank is expected to raise its key interest rate for the second time on Thursday, marking the second rate hike since the outbreak of the US-Iran war. However, it may signal caution regarding further rate hikes, as additional increases could push borrowing costs to levels that suppress economic activity. The annual inflation rate in the Eurozone rose to 3.3% in August, the highest level in nearly three years and significantly above the ECB's 2% target. However, since the war led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a surge in energy prices, there has been no sign of the secondary effects that policymakers have been concerned about. The longer the war persists and energy prices remain elevated, the greater the likelihood of workers taking action. Policymakers are particularly aware that as the weather turns colder toward the end of the year, household heating costs will rise significantly. ECB President Christine Lagarde is likely to reiterate the familiar stance that interest rate decisions are not on a predetermined path, especially emphasizing that investors should not assume further rate hikes are inevitable. Similarly, Lagarde is unlikely to rule out the possibility of further actions, with some economists suggesting that the likelihood of a third rate hike in December is increasing. (Jin10)