Euro zone rates, financing favourable - Trichet

Low interest rates provide a very favourable financial environment, and structural reforms could raise the growth potential of…

Low interest rates provide a very favourable financial environment, and structural reforms could raise the growth potential of the euro zone, the European Central Bank (ECB) president said today.

"We have a financial environment, a monetary environment that is extremely favourable," Mr Jean-Claude Trichet said in addressing the European American Press Club.

The ECB last night left its official rate at its historic low of 2 per cent for the 19th month in a row, saying inflationary pressures were diminishing as oil prices ease. He called the growth outlook moderate.