Explicitly dovish commentary from Rehn
Comments in Boersen Zeitung:
- Stimulus is now needed until there is an improvement in economic and inflation prospects
- Low inflation expectations are a 'great concern'; market based expectations are 'far too low'
- Eurozone experiencing a longer phase of weaker growth, slowdown no longer temporary
- ECB should prepare for stronger and prolonged slowdown, says better to prepare for the worst
- ECB can change forward guidance, cut rates or resume QE if needed
- Asked about cutting the main refi rate, says rate cut thinking involves deposit rate
- There is a certain degree of flexibility with regard to QE limits
These comments are borderline alarmist. However Rehn has been speaking along these lines for a few weeks.
Here's a look at the turn from Rehn:
Oct 31:
April 26:
- Says the big question now is 'whether the European economy is experiencing a short and temporary phase of slower growth or a longer phase'.
May 29:
- Says central scenario is that Eurozone is seeing a soft patch but not a recession
- Says first rise in interest rates is now further away than it was a few months ago but current policy appropriate
June 1:
- Says central bank could strengthen forward guidance, cut rates, relaunch QE if needed
June 20:
- Ready to act as appropriate unless there is improvement in economic conditions
Now (July 4) today he's saying it's time to act. So in five weeks we've gone from a soft patch and waiting longer to hike to rushing to cut now. Has it really gone that badly?