The favourable outlook for the global economy is overshadowed by the threat of protectionism. In the euro area growth has picked up. Some of this acceleration is on a sustainable basis, but long-term growth is likely to remain slower than pre-crisis growth.
The reinvestment of maturing holdings, i.e. the replacement of maturing holdings with new ones, is gradually becoming an increasingly important part of an appropriate monetary policy stance.
In the aftermath of the global financial crisis many central banks cut their policy rates close to zero and introduced non-standard monetary policy measures. The new situation has also presented a challenge for monetary policy modelling.
Following the steep contraction caused by the financial crisis, there have been substantial differences in economic performance across the different countries in the euro area. Healthy economic structures appear to have facilitated a speedier recovery.
Single deposit insurance is an important part of the completion of Banking Union. The deposit insurance fund needs to be sufficiently large to credibly withstand possible problem situations. Banks’ deposit insurance contributions should be calibrated based on risks.
Euro area inflation remains subdued, but confidence in inflation converging towards the ECB's objective has strengthened. Owing to these uncertainties, the conduct of monetary policy in the euro area rests on patience, persistence and prudence.
