As the US Federal Reserve is expected to finally cut its own borrowing costs next week, the ECB reduced its key rate by a quarter percentage point again, as expected.
ECB policymakers "remain focused on inflation, rather than following the Fed by placing less emphasis on inflation and focusing instead on growth."
Brooks added that despite the relatively hawkish tone, markets still believe the ECB will cut rates in October and December, given the bloc's tepid growth.
Back in New York, US stocks finished solidly higher following a poor start as markets eye an expected Fed interset rate cut next week.
The dynamic is similar to Wednesday's consumer price index report, which analysts said kept the Fed on track to cut interest rates next week.

ECB rate cut boosts European stocks as Wall Street extends rally