[ECB Governing Council Member Machrouf: Seriously Considered Rate Hike This Week] According to Jinshi Data on October 30th, ECB Governing Council member Machrouf stated that he seriously considered the possibility of raising interest rates this week. While he supports the decision to maintain current interest rates, he remains concerned about the current inflation level. Machrouf wrote, "I am concerned about the current inflation level. Upside risks to inflation remain, and we must remain vigilant and closely monitor developments." He indicated that before the ECB's next meeting in December, he will closely monitor four areas: whether the energy shock will continue, and whether the current second wave of shocks is gradually subsiding or intensifying; whether food, goods, and service prices are beginning to be more significantly affected by indirect factors; wage trends; and the financing environment.