But with economy weakening and the unrest, some economists see authorities cutting the rate at a March 12 meeting.

The ECB is, indeed, expected to move on Thursday, cutting the rate at which it takes on deposits from commercial banks further below zero.

The British government is cutting the rate of interest on its £3.26 billion loan to Ireland, chancellor George Osborne announced tonight.

A&L is also cutting the rate on three-year loans of up to 1 million pounds to 6.89 percent from 7.09 percent.

Cutting the rate paid to Triple A investors increases payments to equity holders.

Cutting the rate from 20 percent now to below 15 percent would cost at least 10 billion pounds based on government estimates, she said.