Scope Ratings (Scope) expects the ECB to stay on hold this Thursday. The euro area economy has been relatively resilient and Scope foresees slight further upside revisions of growth projections from the ECB by their December update. Most policymakers may feel rates are at the right level presently as inflation risks are comparatively balanced, with greater downside risks for price rises near term but greater upside in the medium to long run. The arguments for a further rate reduction are tempered by the sl ...