German inflation slowed in February, feeding expectations that the European Central Bank will start lowering interest rates around mid-year. Consumer prices rose 2.7% from a year ago — down from 3.1% in January, the statistics office said. That’s right in line with economist expectations. Data earlier Thursday showed inflation also moderated in France and in Spain, though the outcome in the latter was a touch higher than estimated. Overall, the results support the ECB’s assumption that the growth in consumer prices will continue to fade toward the 2% goal in the coming months. Many officials say a first reduction in ... (full story)