ECB’s Makhlouf Says April Hike Possible If Data Signal Need

European Central Bank Governing Council member Gabriel Makhlouf didn’t rule out an increase in interest rates next month should data signal the need for such a step, though said it’s impossible to commit with uncertainty so high.

The Irish central-bank chief told Bloomberg Television that he “can well understand” markets bets for two hikes this year — which is part of the ECB’s baseline. He stressed, though, that he and his colleagues will take a calm and careful approach to formulating any response.