ECB leaves interest rate unchanged at 1 percent

FRANKFURT (AP) - The European Central Bank has left its main interest rate unchanged at 1 percent.

The ECB's decision Thursday keeps the rate at a record low even as signs emerge the 16 countries that use the euro are slowly emerging from recession.

The bank's president, Jean-Claude Trichet, will discuss the decision at a press conference later.

The Bank of England also left its main rate at 0.5 percent but increased its program to expand the money supply.