Top ECB official cautions: rate cuts have costs

Published



FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — A top European Central Bank official warned Thursday that another interest rate cut might not be much help for eurozone countries in recession — because already low rates are not getting through to businesses and consumers.

Joerg Asmussen, the bank’s top official for international relations, said that the “pass-through of rate cuts” would be “limited” since troubled banks are not able to send them on. Meanwhile, he cautioned that ultra-low interest rates can take pressure off governments and banks to fix their troubles.

Full midterm coverage.Deeper analysis.

Get unlimited access to Washington Examiner's reporting, expert analysis, and coverage of the midterm elections.

Get Unlimited Access

Cancel anytime.