ECB raises growth, inflation forecasts for 2018

The European Central Bank raised its growth and inflation forecasts for 2018 while noting it's currently more capable of achieving its targets, and asserting the continuous need to stimulate the economy to maintain the recovering pace. 

The ECB raised 2018 growth forecasts to 2.3% from 1.8% in September forecasts, while also expecting 1.9% growth in 2019 from 1.7%, and 1.7% in 2020. 

The bank raised 2018 inflation forecasts to 1.4% from 1.2%, and to 1.5% in 2019, and to 1.7% in 2020, which would still be below the long-term target of 2%.