Summary Lower rates could in theory stimulate the economy.
FRANKFURT(AP) - The recession in the euro area could be ending and that means the European Central Bank likely won t cut interest rates Thursday.
Economists say the bank s 23-member governing council will probably leave the benchmark lending rate at a record low of 0.5 percent.
Lower rates could in theory stimulate the economy. But recent indicators have raised hopes that the group of 17 European Union countries that use the euro might be returning to growth.
ECB President Mario Draghi will likely use his post-decision news conference to underline the bank s efforts to give markets more clarity.
He has promised rates will stay low "for an extended period." That s aimed at reassuring markets that the ECB is not ready to follow the U.S. Federal Reserve and talk about withdrawing emergency stimulus.
