ECB May Hold Out on Greek Debt Swap Until Investor Deal Reached

By Jeff Black and Jana Randow

Feb. 2 (Bloomberg) -- The European Central Bank is likely to refuse to show its hand on how it will help cut Greece’s debt burden until investors and the government have agreed to a deal, said economists from ING Group to Deutsche Bank.

While Greece’s creditors are increasing pressure on the ECB to join the bond swap being negotiated with the country, central bankers have remained silent on their intentions. Economists say the ECB wants to see the private-sector agreement concluded before indicating its strategy, which may include forgoing profits from its Greek bonds or a transfer to one of the region’s rescue funds.

Read more: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-02-02/ecb-may-hold-out-on-greek-debt-swap-until-investor-deal-reached.html