Provisionally, Euro-zone consumer inflation rose to 2.0% for February from 1.8% and was in line with expectations, although this was the strongest reading for four years.

Unemployment held at 9.6% for January with markets waiting for any signal of a policy change from the ECB and the inflation data did not provide support to the Euro.

Policy is expected to remain on hold at next week’s Council meeting, although comments from President Draghi will be watched closely.