>>> Euro Weakens as ECB Monthly Report Warns of Inflation Risk

12 April 2012 10: 00 GMT THE TAKEAWAY: ECB monthly report sends mixed messages-> Inflation risks seen, central purpose expects inflation to align itself to forecasts-> Euro drops ahead of release purpose stabilizes as markets digest

The moderate economic recovery seen recently is subject to downside risks as inflation threatens to devalue the Euro, the European Central Bank's monthly report for April said today. The statements were in line with ECB chief Draghi's policy speech earlier in the month.

The Euro sank ahead of the ECB's release but stabilized later on as markets digested the mixed messages.

The ECB's Governing Council said it plans to keep interest rates unchanged, and mentioned that it expects price developments to remain stable. The report mentioned a "moderate recovery" seen in the beginning of 2012, but warned that inflationary risks remain a factor in price action. Inflation fears have returned to the fore in Germany as property prices rise and monetary policy remains too loose.

However, the ECB also said it has the tools to combat inflation in the short and long term. The report pointed out that CPI is expected to stay above 2% this year but in the medium-term will slow to the ECB's price stability target.