Category: ECB

ECB Could Raise Rates as Early as in About a Year, Holzmann Says

VIENNA—The European Central Bank could raise rates as soon as the end of next year, and calling an end to bond purchases would be a strong signal that the move is coming in the next two quarters, Governing Council member Robert Holzmann said on Wednesday. The ECB last week took another step in rolling back…


European Central Bank to Taper Pandemic Stimulus, but Gently

FRANKFURT, Germany—The European Central Bank decided Thursday to avoid an abrupt end to its pandemic crisis support for the economy as the new omicron variant of COVID-19 stirs uncertainty about the recovery, despite inflation hitting record highs and the U.S. speeding up its stimulus exit. The cautious approach comes as the 19 European Union member…


Euro Zone Inflation Will Take Longer to Fall Back to 2 Percent, Says ECB

FRANKFURT—Euro zone inflation will take longer to fall back to target than earlier thought but so far there is no evidence that high prices are becoming embedded in wages, ECB Vice President Luis de Guindos said on Wednesday. High inflation is challenging the ECB, which has little experience dealing with rapid price growth and complicates…


No Need Now for ECB to Boost Legacy Bond Purchase Scheme: Muller

FRANKFURT—Euro zone inflation could exceed the European Central Bank’s forecast in the long term, so there is no reason now to boost a legacy bond purchase programme when an emergency scheme ends next March, ECB policymaker Madis Muller said. The ECB is debating life after the 1.85 trillion euro ($2.08 trillion) Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme…


ECB to Redesign Euro Banknotes in Inclusion Effort

FRANKFURT—The European Central Bank said on Monday it plans to redesign the euro’s banknotes over the next three years to make them “more relatable” to Europeans of all ages and backgrounds. ECB focus groups will now gather suggestions about the overarching theme of the new banknotes from the public in the 19 countries that share…


ECB Likely to Avoid a Long-Term Commitment in December: Lagarde

FRANKFURT—The European Central Bank may set policy for a relatively short period at this month’s meeting given heightened uncertainty but should not delay a decision as markets need direction, ECB President Christine Lagarde told Reuters on Friday. Conservative policymakers have called on the ECB to avoid long-term commitments at the Dec. 16 gathering given recent…


Money Markets Scale Back ECB Rate Hike Bets on Coronavirus Variant Worries

LONDON—Euro zone money markets on Friday scaled back bets on a rate hike from the European Central Bank next year as news of a new coronavirus variant spreading across South Africa cast a shadow over the short-term economic outlook. Money market futures were pricing in roughly a 50 percent chance of 10 basis point rate…


ECB Must Keep Options Open Beyond December Amid Uncertainty: Accounts

FRANKFURT—The European Central Bank must keep its policy options open beyond a crucial meeting in December as uncertainty over the likely evolution of inflation is exceptionally high, policymakers concluded in October, according to the accounts of the meeting. High inflation is still largely seen as temporary but the current “hump” in prices will be more…


ECB Should Not React to Current Inflation Spike: Lagarde

FRANKFURT—European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde said on Friday that inflation in the euro zone will fade so the ECB should not tighten policy as it could choke off the recovery, and hinted at continued bond purchases next year. Inflation in the euro zone hit 4.1 percent in October, pushed up by higher energy costs,…


NTD Business Full Broadcast (Nov. 18)

President Biden’s pick for a top bank regulator position grilled in the senate today, one focus was on her alleged communist ties. What did they accuse her of and how did she respond? Shipping congestion isn’t bad for everyone. Some financial firms are profiting handsomely from the supply chain clogs. A warning from The European Central Bank,…