ECB says consumer inflation expectations kept falling last month

Policymakers gathering in Washington are debating whether an outsized reduction may even be warranted to avoid falling behind the curve

The European Central Bank (ECB) is pictured prior to a press conference on the eurozone's monetary policy, in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany on March 16, 2023. (Photo by Daniel ROLAND / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL ROLAND/AFP via Getty Images)

Inflation expectations of consumers in the euro zone continued declining in September, according to the European Central Bank — giving policymakers further confidence that they may reach their target sooner than previously thought.

Prices are seen rising 2.4% over the next 12 months, down from 2.7% in August and the least since September 2021, the ECB said Friday in its monthly poll.