The main stock indices in Europe on Wednesday closed in the negative, which was facilitated by comments from the ECB that the interest rate may be raised next week. At the end of the day German DAX decreased by 0.19%, British FTSE 100 - by 0.16%, French CAC 40 - by 0.84%.

The European regulator is scheduled to meet next Thursday. A number of investors were inclined to believe that he will not raise the rate, but the ECB yesterday warned that such a step is still possible - the final decision has not yet been made, and the increase is being considered, reports the agency "Prime" with reference to Reuters. At the same time, the regulator takes into account the fact that in 20 countries in the eurozone economic activity has deteriorated and inflation has fallen.

The heads of the French, Dutch and Slovak central banks also made it clear that the possibility of an increase should not be discounted - according to them, inflation is still near the maximum and it is necessary to raise the rate once more to fight it, after which a pause can be made.