Inflation in Europe eased to an annual 2.4% in February, supporting the case for another interest rate cut from the European Central Bank - but leaving open how far the central bank will go in lowering borrowing costs for an economy that's still struggling to show robust growth.

Euro zone inflation eased to 2.4% in February according to statistic agency Eurostat. This was lower than January's 2.5% reading, but higher than expected by economists polled by Reuters. So-called core inflation, which strips out energy, food, alcohol and tobacco costs, came in at 2.6% in February, also lower than January's print.

Euro zone inflation dipped a bit less than expected last month but its most closely watched component also dropped, sealing the case for another ECB interest rate cut on Thursday and solidifying bets for further policy easing in the coming months.

Eurozone inflation eased to 2.4% in February but remained above forecasts, complicating the ECB’s rate-cut plans. Monthly price pressures, meanwhile, hit a 10-month high. View on euronews