MNI BRIEF: Easing To Continue If Downside Growth Risk -Panetta

The European Central Bank should continue monetary easing if downside risks to growth were to strengthen disinflationary trends, Bank of Italy Governor Fabio Panetta said in a speech on Friday.

"This assessment reflects the principles that were reaffirmed in the recent monetary policy review," he said pointing to the symmetry of the inflation target, the medium term orientation and the central role of interest rates.