ECB extended stimulus as 'steady hand' in turbulent year
The bank's governing council thought more stimulus would provide a "steady hand" to support the economy of the 19 countries that share the euro against "shocks emanating from the political environment at the global level and within the euro area."
The election of Donald Trump as U.S. president has also raised uncertainty about U.S. trade policy and fed expectations that anti-establishment politicians in Europe may also do better than many expected.
The bond purchases inject newly printed money into the financial system, a step that aims to increase inflation as well as lending and business expansion.