The US Federal Reserve has announced unlimited bond purchases to support the economy and several loan programmes for companies and municipalities.

It says it is committed to using the full range of tools to help households, businesses and the American economy in challenging times. It will continue to buy government bonds and mortgage bonds until the markets for these securities function normally again.

Included in the package of measures are two facilities allowing it to buy corporate bonds, including new issues, something it has never done before. The Fed is also reviving the TALF facility, which was first launched to tackle the 2008 financial crisis.

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The US Federal Reserve has announced unlimited bond purchases to support the economy and several loan programmes for companies and municipalities.

It says it is committed to using the full range of tools to help households, businesses and the American economy in challenging times. It will continue to buy government bonds and mortgage bonds until the markets for these securities function normally again.

Included in the package of measures are two facilities allowing it to buy corporate bonds, including new issues, something it has never done before. The Fed is also reviving the TALF facility, which was first launched to tackle the 2008 financial crisis.