London | Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey sent shock waves through markets on Tuesday when he issued a public ultimatum: the central bank will end its emergency bond purchases as planned at the end of this week.

Hours later, he is under pressure to reverse course amid reports the bank had privately briefed bankers that it may keep the program going. On Wednesday, the BoE was forced to reiterate Bailey’s warning after the Financial Times said officials had told bankers before the governor spoke that they could extend the deadline.

Bloomberg