BERLIN - The European Central Bank (ECB) cut its benchmark interest rate from 1.50 percent to 1.25 percent on Thursday, after new president Mario Draghi chairing his first decision-making governing council meeting.

The decision was beyond market expectation. Many Analysts has forecast that Draghi, who took over office from Jean-Claude Trichet two days ago, was unlikely to make major policy changes.

All eyes are now on how Draghi would see the current situation at his first monthly press conference as ECB chief later this day. As the eurozone economy are losing momentum with escalating crisis, the eurozone rescue efforts faced increasing uncertainties amid a possible Greek bailout referendum.