Trichet says "does not exclude" another ECB rate cut

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet said it was possible the bank could cut interest rates again next month, having lowered them by 50 basis points on Thursday.

Trichet stressed the central bank was not precommitted to any decision and noted that December's rate-setting meeting would have new ECB staff economic forecasts to work with.

"I don't exclude that we could decrease rates again but ... we are not precommitted in any respect," Trichet told reporters at the ECB's post-rate decision news conference.

"We will do whatever is necessary to take into account the situation as it will unfold progressively," he said.

After Thursday's move, interest rates in the 15 country euro zone stand at 3.25 percent, the lowest in over two years.

Trichet said Thursday's decision was in response to slowing economic growth and justified by fading inflation worries.

He said the meeting also discussed the option of a 75 basis points cut but was unanimous in agreeing on a half-point reduction.