Investing.com - The European Central Bank left interest rates on hold Thursday, in what was a widely anticipated decision and reiterated that rates will remain unchanged at least through the summer of 2019.
"The Governing Council expects the key ECB interest rates to remain at their present levels at least through the summer of 2019 and in any case for as long as necessary to ensure the continued sustained convergence of inflation to levels that are below, but close to, 2% over the medium term.," the ECB said.
The ECB also repeated that it expects its asset purchase program to end in December after halving to €15 billion per month from September 2018, from €30 billion at present.
The ECB announced plans to wind up its massive bond purchasing stimulus program at its June meeting.
Investors were awaiting the bank’s post policy meeting press conference for its view of the euro area economy and any indications on the risks to the growth outlook from rising protectionism.
The ECB's latest meeting minutes noted that trade tensions could lead to a decline in confidence throughout the global economy, beyond any direct effects from trade tariffs.