The economic recovery in the euro area "continues" and will continue "at a moderate but consolidating pace": the most recent data "signal the continuation of the growth trend in the fourth quarter of 2016", writes the European Central Bank in economic bulletin, which on the inflation front expects it to likely exceed 1% "at the turn of the year" thanks to increased oil prices and a further acceleration in 2018 and 2019.
The ECB will continue with debt purchases at a rate of 80 billion euros a month until March, and then at a rate of 60 billion a month "until the end of December 2017 or even beyond if necessary", Frankfurt reiterates. "If, in the meantime, the prospects become less favourable, or if financial conditions prove inconsistent with further progress towards a lasting adjustment of the inflation profile, - writes the Bulletin -, the Council intends to increase the program in terms of size or duration" .
