European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde slapped down on Thursday a suggestion by her Czech colleague Ales Michl to include bitcoin among his country's official reserves. While the Czech Republic does not use the euro,

The European Central Bank cut interest rates on Thursday and kept the door open to further policy easing as concerns over lacklustre economic growth supersede worries about persistent inflation. Following are highlights of ECB President Christine Lagarde's comments at a news conference after the policy meeting.

During the press conference, ECB President Christine Lagarde indicated that the central bank's macro assessment had hardly changed from its December meeting. The ECB still sees the disinflationary process on track and expects a pick up in demand, though it acknowledges the near-term weakness of the eurozone economy.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said it’s improbable that any European Union country will choose to add Bitcoin to its monetary reserves.

After lowering key rates in December, the ECB is widely expected to announce another 25 basis points (bps) cut, taking the benchmark rate on deposit facility from 3% to 2.75%. It would be the fourth straight interest rates cut after trimming them in September, October and December 2024.

Speaking at a press conference, ECB President Christine Lagarde suggested “liquid, secure and safe“ standards for central banks likely precluded Bitcoin as a reserve asset.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde is giving a press conference following the bank’s latest monetary policy decision.

KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP The European Central Bank cut interest rates again Thursday, January 30, and signaled more to come as the eurozone economy flatlines while warning of trade tensions and uncertainty amid American President Donald Trump's protectionist agenda.

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said Bulgaria is “well advanced” in the process of meeting the criteria for joining the euro.

The European Central Bank is widely expected to cut interest rates for the fifth time since it began easing monetary policy.

"If trade tensions don't escalate, exports should support recovery as global demand rises."

The FTSE 100 closed at a fresh record high on Thursday thanks to strong corporate updates, value seeking and a return of “animal spirits” to the City of London. London’s blue chip index rose 1pc to close at 8646.88 and has now risen 5.8pc so far this year.