It may be because of the slowing European economy, the drive for austerity by the continent's national governments, or planned tax increases. But whatever the reasons, the European Central Bank said Thursday it would hold its benchmark interest rate steady at 1%. Continue reading European Central Bank Holds Benchmark Interest Rate Steady at 1% European Central Bank Holds Benchmark Interest Rate Steady at 1% originally appeared on DailyFinance on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:50:00. Filed Under: Economy , Credit Permalink | Tweet this! | Comments