Why It Matters: The timing of interest rate cuts depends on dataInvestors are watching for signs that the European Central Bank will lower interest rates, which policymakers last week held at a record high of 4 percent.
The numbers released on Thursday could raise expectations that rates may come down sooner rather than later.
Core inflation, the rate of inflation that excludes the volatile prices of food and energy, continued its downward trend, cooling to 3.3 percent in January from 3.4 percent in December.
That figure is crucial to the E.C.B., as it reflects underlying trends in prices across the eurozone.
will remain cautious, he said, “and will not contemplate any rate cut before June.”
Persons:
Christine Lagarde, “, Peter Vanden Houte, ”
Organizations:
European Central Bank, ING
Locations:
midyear, Germany, Europe’s