贷款工具胜过QE? 巨额亏损阴影下 欧洲央行危机工具箱的优先级悄然转变

Core Viewpoint - The European Central Bank (ECB) is likely to prefer providing liquidity tools linked to loans to commercial banks rather than large-scale bond purchases (QE) in response to future economic challenges [1][4]. Group 1: ECB's Preferred Tools - Economists surveyed believe that in cases of weak inflation, economic slowdown, or financial instability, the ECB will prioritize liquidity injections through Long-Term Refinancing Operations (LTRO) [1]. - The ECB may only resort to targeted asset purchase programs if interest rate signals fail to transmit effectively within the Eurozone [1]. Group 2: Concerns Over QE - ECB decision-makers have reservations about the QE policy implemented from 2015 to 2022, especially given the historical losses faced by central banks like the Bundesbank due to rising interest rates [4]. - The Bundesbank has projected a loss of nearly €20 billion (approximately $23 billion) in 2024, marking its first annual loss since the 1970s, which raises concerns about the risks associated with large-scale bond purchases [4]. Group 3: Policy Framework Evaluation - The ECB has retained all policy tools, including QE, but has not specified the conditions under which each tool would be favored [5]. - ECB officials have differing opinions on preferred policy tools, with some favoring direct long-term bond purchases while others prefer LTROs and unutilized targeted asset purchase plans [5][6]. Group 4: Risks and Credibility - The Bundesbank emphasizes caution regarding QE due to the significant risk of losses during crises [6]. - ECB Executive Board member Isabel Schnabel warns that losses could undermine the ECB's credibility, suggesting that loan support mechanisms may be more effective for restoring credit supply and easier to exit [6].