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,

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.

Eurozone inflation eased to 2.4% in February but remained above forecasts, complicating the ECB’s rate-cut plans. Monthly price pressures, meanwhile, hit a 10-month high.

It is widely expected that the ECB will again reduce borrowing costs when it meets next as inflation remains under control and the Eurozone economy slows. Wage growth has also cooled in recent months, further supporting the case for more rate cuts.

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.

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.