The European Central Bank (ECB) extended its restrictive monetary policy on Thursday. The rate on deposits, which is the reference, is maintained at its historic high of 4%, as it has been since October.
The markets are always on the lookout for clues on the timetable for future relaxations. The downside of this policy: the euro zone economy has been stagnating for almost a year and a half and economists judge that the institution is erring on the side of caution, risking a rebound in activity.