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 policymakers ahead of Thursday’s meeting.

Euro zone inflation dipped a bit less than expected last month but its most closely watched component also dropped, sealing the case for another ECB interest rate cut on Thursday and solidifying bets for further policy easing in the coming months.

Inflation in Europe eased to 2.4% in February, supporting the case for another interest rate cut from the European Central Bank but leaving open how far the central bank will go in lowering borrowing costs.

For four years, the ECB has been trying to slow the economy down, raising its key deposit rate to a record 4 percent to choke off inflation, before gradually lifting its foot off the brake since June. Next week’s expected rate cut will be the sixth in the current sequence, and will bring the deposit rate down to 2.5 percent.

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.

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.

DAX eyes ECB rate decision as inflation concerns persist. Market sentiment shifts with US tariff risks and Fed rate cut expectations.