ECB keeps rates, asset-buying plan unchanged as expected

Asset purchases will be 60 bn pounds per month from Apr-Dec 2017

The European Central Bank left interest rates and the main parameters of its asset purchase scheme unchanged as expected on Thursday, keeping unprecedented stimulus in place to aid the bloc's slow but steady recovery.

Markets now turn their attention to ECB President Mario Draghi's news conference.

Facing low inflation and weak growth, the ECB last month extended its 2.3 trillion euro ($2.45 trillion) debt purchase programme until the end of the year, promising substantial accommodation and extended market presence.

Recent data have however surprised on the upside with inflation hitting a three-year high and euro zone business growth at its fastest in more