The European Central Bank's asset purchases program is well designed and calibrated for the characteristics of the euro area bond market and is likely to generate profits. The risk sharing and accounting arrangements and the ECB loss absorption capabilities look adequate for the potential risks of the program. Should losses materialize, a prompt recapitalization by member governments would maintain the credibility of monetary policy and the independence of the ECB.
Sovereign Bond Purchases and Risk Sharing Arrangements: Implications for Euro Area Monetary Policy
Policy contribution prepared for the European Parliament Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs ahead of the European Parliament's Monetary Dialogue with the
European Central Bank on June 15, 2015. Copyright remains with the European Parliament at all times. Reposted with permission.
© European Parliament
The European Central Bank's asset purchases program is well designed and calibrated for the characteristics of the euro area bond market and is likely to generate profits. The risk sharing and accounting arrangements and the ECB loss absorption capabilities look adequate for the potential risks of the program. Should losses materialize, a prompt recapitalization by member governments would maintain the credibility of monetary policy and the independence of the ECB.