Inflation & Prices

ECB Has to Work Out If Inflation Monster Is Taking Its Last Gasp

  • Even faster-than-expected data shows steady downward pressure
  • Policymakers will unveil new forecasts at March 7 decision

The European Central Bank (ECB) headquarters in Frankfurt.

Photographer: Alex Kraus/Bloomberg
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European Central Bank officials confronting faster-than-expected inflation might also wonder if this is just the last stumble before their 2% target looms large.

While the 2.6% outcome for February released on Friday — and a still-stubborn 3.1% result for the so-called core measure — present grounds for caution, the downward momentum in consumer prices is getting harder to ignore.