Meanwhile the ECB's survey of 19,000 euro area consumers showed a similar uptick in expectations last month. Median expectations for inflation over the next 12 months increased for the third month in a row, to 2.8% from 2.6%. However, three years out, expectations were unchanged at 2.4%.

The European Central Bank lowered borrowing costs for a fifth time since June, with the region’s economy stalling and the 2% inflation target in reach.

The European Central Bank cut interest rates on Thursday and kept the door open to further policy easing as concerns over lacklustre economic growth supersede worries about persistent inflation. It was the fifth ECB rate cut since June and markets expect two or three more this year,