Fresh difficulties from Brexit - ECB

(ANSA) - Rome, August 18 - Britain's referendum vote to leave the EU may have unpredictable consequences for the world economy and presents "fresh difficulties" for the eurozone but "it is premature to discuss any possible monetary reaction at this stage," according to the minutes of the European Central Bank's July 21 meeting, released Thursday. The central bankers deem it necessary to have "more time to assess the information coming in over the next few months, although the risks have clearly increased".
    Most economists continue to expect a six-month extension of the ECB's bond-buying programme (quantitative easing, QE) when the ECB's governing council meets on September 8, and the ECB has said it is ready to act if necessary.