by millionairemind » Thu Oct 08, 2009 9:33 pm
October 8, 2009, 9.26 pm (Singapore time)
Update: ECB holds rates, sees slow recovery on the way
VENICE (Italy) - The European Central Bank head Jean-Claude Trichet cautioned against hopes of a speedy economic recovery after the central bank kept its benchmark interest rate at a record-low 1.0 per cent on Thursday.
ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet said in the post-decision news conference that economic recovery in the euro zone was continuing and the freefall was over, but added the ride could be bumpy.
The euro zone economy shrank by a revised 0.2 per cent in the second quarter of the year, and analysts expect it to have grown 0.3 percent in the July-September quarter.
'Available survey indications are that ongoing economic recovery continues. The euro zone should benefit from exports and stimulus should benefit the financial system,' Mr Trichet said, but added uncertainties remain high.
'Overall the recovery is expected to remain rather uneven,' he said.
Rates appropriate
The rate decision met analyst expectations - all 82 economists in a Reuters poll had expected interest rates to stay on hold in October for the fifth month running, with most expecting them to stay unchanged until late next year.
Mr Trichet said current interest rates were suitable for the economic situation.
'The current rates remain appropriate,' Mr Trichet said. 'The incoming information and analysis since our last meeting in early September have confirmed our previous assessment.' He said inflationary pressures in the euro zone were low.
'The outcome of the monetary analysis confirms the assessment of low inflationary pressure for the medium term as money and credit expansion continues to moderate,' Mr Trichet told the news conference.
But the currently negative inflation is expected to turn positive in the coming months, he added.
Euro zone inflation fell 0.3 per cent in September, more than expected, according to the flash estimate, after dipping 0.2 per cent in August.
Banks should strengthen their capital bases, and take advantage of governments measures, particularly in recapitalisation, Mr Trichet told the news conference.
The Bank of England also kept its rates on hold on Thursday, as was widely expected, but the Reserve Bank of Australia on Tuesday became the first Group of 20 central bank to raise rates after the recession hit.
While most analysts expect the next ECB rate move to be a hike, they forecast that it will not happen before the third quarter of next year. But tighter liquidity conditions may push up market rates before that, futures pricing shows. -- REUTERS
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