The European Commission released its quarterly forecasts yesterday and gave an upbeat assessment to the growth in the Eurozone. Inflation and unemployment were however more subdued in comparison. The forecasts show that inflation in the Eurozone will stay below the ECB’s 2% target rate in 2019 at only 1.6%.
In the overnight trading session, the RBNZ voted to keep the overnight cash rate unchanged at 1.75%. The decision comes after a weak fourth quarter inflation data and a somewhat mixed unemployment numbers for the quarter.
Looking ahead, focus shifts to Threadneedle Street as the Bank of England will conclude its monetary policy with the statement and press conference. The BoE is expected to keep rates unchanged at today’s event. Economists are divided on whether the BoE will leave forward guidance unchanged or whether it will bring forward the rate hike expectations. The BoE is currently expected to leave rates unchanged at least until August this year.
Elsewhere, the weekly unemployment claims from the U.S. will be coming out later in the evening.
