The European Central Bank has kept rates on hold at a record low 1 percent, at its monthly policy meeting, despite rising inflationary pressure.
The decision is within market expectation. Eurozone inflation quickened in February to 2.4 percent. That's above the central bank's target range and it's likely to increase.
Although ECB is facing accelerating inflation, its readiness to restart its "exit strategy" may be limited by doubts about whether EU leaders will agree later this month to bolster Europe's rescue fund.