Trichet hints at bond purchase rethink

Article reports that Jean-Claude Trichet, European Central Bank President, has left open in early december 2010 the possibility of the bank significantly expanding its government bond purchases and warned markets not to underestimate Europe’s determination to resolve the escalating eurozone crisis.

The hint that the ECB could recalibrate its response to the unfolding crisis came as the premiums that Italy and Spain pay over Germany benchmark interest rates hit fresh highs since the launch of the euro. The euro’s monetary guardian had already stepped up purchases of Portuguese bonds, traders reported.

EUObserver, 1.12.10: ECB chief: 'Europe needs budgetary federation' http://euobserver.com/9/31395

European Parliament: Press Release, 30.11.10: Fix the economic governance package, Trichet tells MEPs http://www.europarl.europa.eu/en/pressroom/content/20101129IPR02748

ECB: Press Release, 30.11.10: Quarterly Hearing before the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament. Introductory statement by Jean-Claude Trichet, President of the ECB, Brussels, 30 November 2010 http://www.ecb.eu/press/key/date/2010/html/sp101130.en.html

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