Euro-Area Core Inflation Rate Is Set to Remain Subdued

(Bloomberg) -- February readings for euro-area inflation are due on Friday, with economists predicting a slight uptick of the headline number to 1.5 percent, while they see the core rate stuck at 1.1 percent. The European Central Bank, which holds its next rate decision on March 7, has “grown more anxious about the influence on inflation of a prolonged economic slowdown,” according to Bloomberg Economics. “We think the impact should be small and pay pressure will keep building.”

--With assistance from Harumi Ichikura.

To contact the reporter on this story: Zoe Schneeweiss in London at zschneeweiss@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Fergal O'Brien at fobrien@bloomberg.net, Jana Randow

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