ECB slows pace of QE, but keeps options open

Central bank outlines plans to wind down bond-buying programme and reassures on low interest rates

ECB announces QE decisions. Pic: Getty

The European Central Bank has announced its long-awaited decision on the future of its massive bond-buying programme,known as quantitative easing(QE), which was designed to bring inflation in the euro zone higher.

After the latest meeting of the bank’s Governing Council, it said it would halve the amount of assets it buys from the current €60 billion a month to €30 billion from January. It will continue buying bonds at this rate until September ...