Skip to main content
BBC NEWS / BUSINESS
Graphics VersionBBC Sport Home
News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
Business Contents:  Your Money | Economy Companies

Friday, 16 February 2007, 11:48 GMT

Eurozone growth forecast raised

Joaquin Almunia The European Commission has raised its forecast for economic growth in the eurozone this year and cut its prediction for inflation.

It raised its prediction for growth in 2007 to 2.4% from 2.1%, although this is still down from 2.7% in 2006.

The inflation forecast has been lowered from 2.1% to 1.8%, compared with last year's figure of 2.2%.

The Commission attributed the fall in inflation to productivity, competition and the stronger euro.

European Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Joaquin Almunia urged European governments to "make use of these good economic times to pursue sound public finances and structural reform".

The Commission warned that if wages grow faster than productivity then there might have to be more interest rate rises from the European Central Bank (ECB).

Earlier this month, the ECB kept its key interest rate on hold at 3.5% but hinted that rates may go up next month.

ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet said at the time that "strong vigilance" was needed to avoid "risks to price stability", comments that analysts took as indicating eurozone rates were likely to rise to 3.75% in March.

In December, the ECB forecast eurozone inflation of 1.5-2.5% this year.



E-mail this to a friend
Related to this story:
Eurozone sees revival in growth (13 Feb 07 |  Business )
Eurozone rates unchanged at 3.5% (08 Feb 07 |  Business )
ECB calls for inflation vigilance (20 Nov 06 |  Business )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
European Commission
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



SEARCH BBC NEWS: 

News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
Business Contents:  Your Money | Economy Companies

NewsWatch | Notes | Contact us | About BBC News | Profiles | History

^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©