ECB Debates Economic Stimulus

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) -- The European Central Bank could cut interest rates or signal it is close to doing so as it meets Thursday to discuss how to support the economy through uncertainties including trade wars and Brexit.

The ECB, which sets interest rates for the 19 countries that use the euro, is expected by many analysts to at least tweak its promise to keep interest rates at rock-bottom levels into next year. New wording would emphasize that the next move down the road could be a cut.

But a rate cut Thursday is not out of the question — even though one of the rate benchmarks is already below zero.

The meeting comes as central banks around the globe are moving, or at least preparing, to support the global economy.

(KR)