Mubasher: The European Central Bank (ECB) on Thursday kept its interest rates unchanged at low levels, matching analysts’ forecasts.

The ECB maintained rates on the main refinancing operations at 0.00%, while left rates on marginal lending and deposits at 0.25% and -0.40%, respectively, a statement by the bank showed.

Monetary policymakers also expected key interest rates to stay at their current levels until well after the asset purchases programme ends.

The ECB further said that the current asset purchases pace at a value of EUR 30 billion would remain until the end of September, and may be extended beyond if necessary.

"The Eurosystem will reinvest the principal payments from maturing securities purchased under the asset purchase program for an extended period of time after the end of its net asset purchases, and in any case for as long as necessary," the bank stated.