ECB leaves interest rates unchanged

The European Central Bank (ECB) announced on Thursday that it would leave its key interest rates unchanged.

The interest rates on the deposit facility, the main refinancing operations and the marginal lending facility will remain unchanged at 2.5 percent, 2.65 percent and 2.9 percent, respectively.

Rising energy prices are posing upside risks to the inflation outlook but underlying inflation has remained broadly stable so far, the ECB said in a press release.

The increased magnitude and duration of the energy shock, as well as the implications for indirect and second-round effects, are likely to drive up inflation and lower growth, the bank said.

Inflation in the euro area surged in September to 3.8 percent from 3.2 percent in August, hitting a three-year high. The rise in inflation has been driven largely by higher energy prices, according to data released by the European Commission.

The ECB has hiked interest rates twice this year, pushing the interest rate on the deposit facility up to 2.5 percent from 2 percent.

The ECB insists that it is "well positioned" to navigate the current elevated uncertainty and will still continue to follow its data-dependent and meeting-by-meeting approach to determine its future monetary policy stance.

The ECB is scheduled to publish its latest edition of the staff projections in December.

ECB leaves interest rates unchanged

ECB leaves interest rates unchanged

ECB leaves interest rates unchanged

ECB leaves interest rates unchanged

The China Pavilion made a strong debut at the ongoing MIP Africa 2026, a major film and television industry event on the continent, presenting a rich tapestry of Chinese storytelling to deepen cultural ties and industry collaboration.

Sponsored by China's State Council Information Office and National Radio and Television Administration, the China Pavilion featured an expanded lineup this year.

Sixteen leading Chinese audiovisual organizations -- spanning broadcasting, film and television production, animation, and cultural media -- set up booths at the event opening on Wednesday at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa.

Exhibitors presented more than 50 Chinese audiovisual titles across genres, including TV dramas, documentaries, variety shows, and animation, alongside advanced technologies. The showcase highlighted China's latest achievements in the screen industry while fostering closer partnerships between Chinese and African media institutions.

Carol Weaving, managing director of RX Africa, the organizer of MIP Africa, praised the ongoing collaboration. She said that the event is dedicated to connecting African stories, talent, and enterprises with the global entertainment industry. Noting China serves as a vital partner in that mission, she expressed enthusiasm for building a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership to bring more exceptional content to global audiences.

Running through Friday under the theme "Africa. Untold. Unstoppable," MIP Africa 2026 drew registrations from more than 100 international media companies and over 1,500 participants, featuring strong participation from across the continent, including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana.

China showcases diverse audiovisual works at MIP Africa 2026

China showcases diverse audiovisual works at MIP Africa 2026