EU Raises Growth Outlook as ECB Counters Greek Threat

The European Commission raised its euro-area growth forecast as the impact of a weaker euro and unprecedented monetary stimulus help the economy overcome pressure on confidence from the continuing crisis in Greece.

Gross domestic product in the 19-nation currency bloc is forecast to increase 1.5 percent this year, up from 1.3 percent in February, according to the commission, the European Union executive in Brussels. It slashed its growth projections for Greece at a time when the cash-strapped country is struggling to persuade its euro-area partners to help pay its bills.