ECB hints at further rate hike

INTEREST rates could rise again before the year is out, following indications from the European Central Bank (ECB).

This news comes as the ECB says it will offer a fresh round of loans to banks in light of continuing fears about the eurozone debt crisis. The ECB has also resumed buying government bonds.

ECB president Jean-Claude Trichet said the bank would continue to “monitor very closely” inflation risks in the euro zone.