Business

European Central Bank cuts main rate

Font Size:

In a major surprise, the European Central Bank cut its benchmark interest rate to a record low Thursday, moving more quickly than expected to stimulate the euro zone economy in the face of falling inflation.

The E.C.B. cut its main rate to 0.25 percent from 0.5 percent, which was already a record low.

The central bank and its president, Mario Draghi, were apparently reacting to a sudden drop in euro zone inflation, which fell to an annual rate of 0.7 percent in October, well below the E.C.B.’s official target of about 2 percent. The fall raised the specter of deflation — a sustained fall in prices that can destroy the profits of companies and the jobs they provide.

Full Story: European Central Bank cuts main rate