Italy expects ECB to start cutting rates in second half of year

ROME (Reuters) - Italy expects the European Central Bank (ECB) to start cutting interest rates from the second half of 2024, the country's economy minister said on Monday.

"The gradual easing of monetary policy, which is likely to take place starting in the second half of this year, would be a supportive factor, particularly in its effect on bank credit flows," Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said addressing parliament on the Treasury's new multi-year budget framework.

(Reporting by Giuseppe Fonte; Editing by Keith Weir)