Reuters sources on the case
ECB stands ready to temporarily increase Italian bond purchases in case of yield spikes over referendum
Italy would formally have to ask for help if it needs longer-term support
Maybe that's why ECB purchases were notably lower last week but that might be me grasping at straws. What's also a touch strange is that the numbers were lower despite being in the holiday front run period. The ECB said they would be stepping up purchases between Nov 20th - Dec 21st to cover the period over Christmas. Maybe they have something up their sleeve at the Dec 8th meeting they need to focus on ;-)
