What is the role of financial markets in the economy? How does the coronavirus pandemic affect markets? Is the current crisis also a financial crisis? Our host Michael Steen discusses these questions with ECB Executive Board member Isabel Schnabel. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. Published on 25 May 2020 and recorded on 15 May 2020. In this episode: (01:57) The role of financial markets in the economy How they act as intermediaries between savers and borrowers, how they react in case of a shock and why their stability is key to ensuring a well-functioning economy. (05:14) The coronavirus and financial markets How financial markets have responded to the coronavirus shock and why this is different from the 2008 financial crisis. (10:26) The ECB’s measures to ease lending How our targeted lending measures aim to help people and businesses, the particular role of the Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme and how the ECB works with other central banks to keep financial systems working smoothly. (17:03) International cooperation in times of crisis: swap lines How swap lines between central banks work and how these agreements help keep financial systems around the world working smoothly. Further reading: The ECB’s response to the coronavirus pandemic https://www.ecb.europa.eu/home/search/coronavirus/html/index.en.html https://www.bankingsupervision.europa.eu/home/search/coronavirus/html/index.en.html Explainer: Tell me more: What are currency swap lines? https://www.ecb.europa.eu/explainers/tell-me-more/html/currency_swap_lines.en.html European Central Bank website www.ecb.europa.eu