Quantitative easing - what it is, why it's important

Central bankers do not attract much notice if economies are running smoothly. They usually come across as calm, politically neutral and academic. With a steady hand on the levers of monetary policy, they make small adjustments to keep inflation in check and economic growth at a sustainable level.

The global financial crisis shattered this image. It forced central banks into the middle of policy discussion about key issues like growth and employment. It also gave rise to a new phrase describing what central bankers are now all about: quantitative easing (QE).

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/economy/article/1054708/quantitative-easing-what-it-why-its-important