ECB keeps policy, guidance unchanged

ECB keeps door open to even more stimulus

The European Central Bank reaffirmed its ultra-easy policy stance on Thursday, even keeping the door open to increasing bond purchases, dashing hopes it would formally signal its intent to claw back stimulus from next year.

The ECB kept rates at their record lows, confirmed that asset buys would continue at 60 billion euros ($71.76 billion) per month at least until December and said it could even increase or expand the asset purchases if needed, sticking with its long-held super easy stance.

The statement is likely to rattle some investors who expected the ECB to start laying the groundwork for a cut in