Euro zone inflation eased to 2.4% in February according to statistic agency Eurostat. This was lower than January's 2.5% reading, but higher than expected by economists polled by Reuters. So-called core inflation,

Consumer prices in the eurozone were 2.4% higher in February than a year earlier, a slower rate of inflation than recorded in January, reassuring news for central bank policymakers as they prepare to meet later this week.

The European Central Bank cut interest rates again on Thursday but warned of "phenomenal uncertainty" including the risk that trade wars and more defence spending could fuel inflation, raising the prospect of a pause in its policy easing next month.

Falling energy prices made up much of the drop, but prices of services also lost pace.

Massive German spending pledges and uncertainty caused by US trade policy are fuelling expectations the European Central Bank could on Thursday signal that a pause in interest rate cuts is

The European Central Bank cut interest rates for the sixth time in nine months on Thursday, sticking to its easing plan in the face of economic upheaval from an unfolding trade war and new plans to boost Europe's military spending.

The European Central Bank lowered interest rates for the sixth time since June and indicated that its cutting phase is drawing to a close as inflation cools and the economy digests seismic shifts in geopolitics.