The Bank of England left its interest rate unchanged on Thursday, and the European Central Bank was expected to do likewise as evidence mounts that growth in the euro zone is likely to slow in coming months.

The Bank of England held its key rate at 5 percent amid conflicting pressures from inflation and growth.

For the ECB, which meets in Athens _ part of its twice-a-year road show from its Frankfurt headquarters to other euro zone capitals _ the change in scenery is not going to mean a change in policy for its benchmark refinancing rate, which has stood at 4 percent since last summer.

Higher rates, used to combat inflation, also can strengthen a currency and are considered to be supporting the euro.