The European Central Bank cut some of its growth and inflation projections on Thursday as the fallout from a global trade war is likely to prove a drag for the 20-nation euro zone. Inflation is now seen falling further below the ECB's 2% target next year as lower energy costs,

Looking further forward, the ECB is forecasting an inflation rate of just 1.6 per cent for 2026, meaning it would undershoot its medium-term inflation target of 2 per cent.

Eurozone inflation fell to 1.9% in May, below forecasts, boosting expectations of an ECB rate cut on Thursday. Core inflation also eased to 2.4%. The euro slipped and bond yields fell as markets priced in a 25bp rate cut to 2.