ECB more optimistic on growth, stays tough on Greece

NICOSIA: The European Central Bank expressed confidence on Thursday (Friday in Manila) that its bond buying program, which begins next week, would help drive the eurozone economy out of its doldrums, but the bank retained its tough-talking stance on Greece.

At the ECB’s regular policy meeting, held in Nicosia, Cyprus this time instead of the usual venue of Frankfurt, the governing council voted to hold its key interest rates steady at their current all-time lows.