More ECB Stimulus On The Way?

The European Central Bank is set to hold its monthly policy meeting on Thursday, and investors aren't expecting the bank to make any major policy changes — at least not yet.

The bank's €1.1 trillion stimulus program has made a minimal impact on the region's shaky recovery, and after the Greek crisis and the most recent market turmoil, many are betting that the bank will increase its funding efforts in the months to come.

Doing Whatever It Takes

While this week's meeting isn't expected to yield any new cash, bank President Mario Draghi is likely to hint at plans for more stimulus at the press conference following the meeting.

Draghi famously promised to do "whatever it takes" to kickstart the eurozone's growth in 2012 when the bloc looked unlikely to pull itself out of economic crisis on its own. However, recent market events may force him to return to that promise once again.

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Stimulus Extended

The bank's quantitative easing program is set to run through September 2016, but this week, Draghi could reiterate his willingness to extend that deadline if need be. Some analysts believe the bank may also consider revising some of the technical limits on its bond buying program, which would pave the way for injecting more funds into the EU economy.

Investor Interest

While Europe has been considered a relatively uncertain player in the global economy, more stimulus in the EU could help restore investor confidence in the region.

The promise of additional funds could push the euro lower, support economic growth and boost hiring. That would be a positive for European firms, which have been relying heavily on exports and a favorable exchange rate to stay afloat.