Draghi’s Data Jigsaw Takes Shape as ECB Readies Showdown

Mario Draghi’s month-long audit of the euro-area economy has entered a critical phase as officials prepare forecasts and data show whether inflation is becoming too scarce for comfort.

With 10 days left for the European Central Bank president to make up his mind before the next policy decision, reports from rising German sentiment today to region-wide statistics at the end of the week are among pieces he can add to the puzzle of the outlook. Figures on Feb. 28 will probably show inflation remained at less than half the ECB’s goal.