Draghi's caution on inflation signals stimulus stays for now

Frankfurt

MARIO Draghi has left little doubt that he's not ready to accept euro-area inflation has truly returned, and a closer look at data from the 19-nation region helps explain his hesitation.

The European Central Bank (ECB) president will probably reiterate his assessment on Thursday that underlying price growth remains subdued even after inflation accelerated to 2 per cent - nominally above the institution's goal.

A hefty upgrade of near-term projections as fl…