ECB reduces asset purchases to €60 billion from April

The European Central Bank left unchanged its monetary policy stance at today’s meeting, matching the broader consensus.

The Governing Council added that starting in April, the monthly pace of bond purchases will be reduced to €60 billion until end of December 2017, although the central bank could increase the duration/size of the programme if necessary,

The GC also sees a sustained adjustment in the path of inflation consistent with its inflation aim.

The ECB reiterated that rates will remain at present or lower levels for an extended period of time, and well past the horizon of the net asset purchases.