From the ECB firm rates, possible Qe closure in the third quarter

(ANSA) - ROME, MARCH 10 - The European Central Bank leaves interest rates firm as expected: the principal rate remains at zero, the deposit rate at -0.50% and the marginal loan rate at 0.25 %.

This was announced by the ECB after the meeting of the Governing Council.

    The ECB "will conclude net purchases through the App program in the third quarter" if the incoming data confirms the inflation scenario.

purchases under the pandemic program will end in March.

Those with the App will total 40 billion in April, 30 billion in May and 20 billion in June.

    The crisis in Ukraine - explains the central institute - is a "watershed moment" for Europe and the ECB is ready to do "whatever is necessary" to support the economy, including liquidity support.

(HANDLE).