ECB tipped for extra €500bn support splurge

ECB president Christine Lagarde has said the pickup in Covid-19 infections came sooner than expected, presenting a clear risk to the economic outlook.

Surging coronavirus infections and renewed lockdowns will prompt the ECB to step up monetary stimulus later this year, according to economists.

Respondents to a survey predict €500bn will be added to the €1.35 trillion pandemic bond-buying programme, with most anticipating action in December.