ECB ready to tweak QE if needed to counter inflation risks

Frankfurt

THE European Central Bank is ready to expand or extend its bond-buying program if needed as a slump in commodity prices and risks to global economic growth threaten its inflation goal, said Executive Board member Peter Praet.

"Recent developments in the world economy and in commodity markets have increased the downside risk of achieving the sustainable inflation path toward 2 per cent," Mr Praet told reporters in Mannheim, Germany. "There should be no ambiguity on the willingness and ability of the Governing Council to act if needed."