Economists polled by Reuters had been expecting the reading to come in at 2.1% in April compared to March's 2.2% as inflation has been easing back towards the European Central Bank's 2% target. Euro zone inflation was unchanged at 2.

FRANKFURT (Reuters) -Euro zone inflation held steady a touch above the ECB's 2% target in April but underlying price pressures picked up more than projected, likely making some ECB policymakers nervous, even if a trade war may justify more interest rate cuts.

Inflation in the eurozone stayed marginally above the European Central Bank’s target in April, a fresh increase in services prices keeping the annual rate stuck at 2.2 percent.