Investing.com - The European Central Bank held its benchmark interest rate at a record low on Thursday, as policymakers continue to monitor growth prospects and inflationary pressures in the single currency region.
The ECB said it was maintaining its benchmark interest rate at a record-low 0.05%, in line with market expectations. The central bank also held its marginal lending at 0.30% and left its deposit facility rate unchanged at -0.20%.
ECB President Mario Draghi was to comment on the decision at a press conference at 1:30PM London time, or 8:30AM ET.
Draghi could hint at the possibility of further monetary stimulus with inflation in the euro area still sluggish and as fears linger about slowing global growth led by China.
EUR/USD was trading at 1.1323 from around 1.1317 ahead of the announcement, while EUR/GBP was at 0.7318 from 0.7313 earlier.
The Investing.com euro index, which tracks the single currency against a basket of six major rivals, was at 90.01, compared to 89.97 ahead of the report.
Meanwhile, European stock markets were mostly higher. The EURO STOXX 50 inched up 0.2%, France's CAC 40 tacked on 0.2%, Germany's DAX rose 0.35%, while London’s FTSE 100 dipped 0.15%.