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 is expected to cut interest rates again this week in a bid to boost the floundering eurozone economy, even as debate heats up about when to hit pause. - Rate debate - Some policymakers are starting to ask how the central bank should continue on the path downward.

The European Central Bank will trim its deposit rate again next week to 2.50%, according to all 82 economists polled by Reuters who expected two further cuts by the middle of this year. Inflation was forecast to hover close to the central bank's 2% target,

France’s inflation rate fell to its lowest level in four years, taking it further below the European Central Bank’s target and priming the bank for a fresh cut to interest rates next week. Consumer prices in the country rose 0.

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

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.