'Draghi will be asked some tricky questions on Italy': Commentators divided over when the ECB will halt its QE programme

ECB meeting tomorrow

Industry commentators have said a string of mixed economic data, combined with the political turmoil following the Italian election, has thrown into question when the European Central Bank (ECB) will bring an end to its €2.3trn bond-buying programme, previously indicated to be concluded in September.

Last October, ECB president Mario Draghi announced the programme would end in September 2018 but caveated that statement by adding "or beyond, if necessary". In an Investment Week Twitter poll, ahead of the ECB meeting tomorrow, 72% of readers said the ECB would extend quantitative easing (QE) beyond the set September date, while 28% said they would halt it, indicating the divided views of the investment community. Although it was previously expected QE would conclude this year, weaker than expected data and fresh political turmoil has caused some to push out expectations. For exam...