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,

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

Euro zone inflation prospects improved while growth remained anaemic, fresh data showed on Friday, solidifying the case for further ECB rate cuts to stimulate an economy that has been stagnant for nearly two years.

Economists have added a big disclaimer to their view that the European Central Bank will cut interest rates three more times: Donald Trump.

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 policymakers ahead of Thursday’s meeting.