Economics

ECB’s Visco Draws Line on Cutting Rates Deeper Below Zero

  • Says he didn’t support all elements of latest stimulus package
  • Cautions about negative consequences of negative rates
Bank of Italy Governor Ignazio Visco discusses the state of the global economy, ECB’s policies.(Source: Bloomberg)
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Italy’s Ignazio Visco jumped into the controversy over the European Central Bank’s recent monetary-stimulus package, saying he didn’t support all its elements, and signaled he would be reluctant to back any further interest-rate cuts.

Speaking on Bloomberg TV on Thursday, the Governing Council member said banks have until now coped well with sub-zero rates because the economic growth they helped foster has made up for any adverse impact. But he cautioned they were a “very unconventional” tool that could eventually backfire.