The European Central Bank left interest rates unchanged on Thursday as expected but offered no clues about its next move, even as investors continue to bet that more support will be needed as inflation dips below target next year.

Inflation is now seen at 1.9% in 2027, below the 2.0% projected in June, and core inflation is seen at 1.8% then, both below the 2% target, fresh ECB projections showed.

The euro briefly slipped but was last trading 0.18% firmer at $1.1715 , while interest rate-sensitive short-dated bond yields were broadly steady on the day , . Europe's STOXX index was up 0.3% from its last close.