European Central Bank policymakers backed further policy easing on Friday just a day after the bank's fourth straight rate cut, despite fresh surveys pointing to continued inflation momentum. The ECB cut interest rates to 2.

Germany’s inflation rate declined unexpectedly this month, though remains above the target of the European Central Bank, which this week cut its key interest rate. Consumer prices were 2.3% higher in January than the first month of 2024,

Meanwhile the ECB's survey of 19,000 euro area consumers showed a similar uptick in expectations last month. Median expectations for inflation over the next 12 months increased for the third month in a row, to 2.8% from 2.6%. However, three years out, expectations were unchanged at 2.4%.