Drivers of trust in the ECB during the pandemic

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ABSTRACT Trust in the European Central Bank (ECB) is vital. However, little is known about trust in the ECB during the COVID-19 pandemic. We use the rich pilot microdata from the ECB Consumer Expectations Survey during 2020–2021 on six key euro area countries to shed light on trust in the ECB during the pandemic. Our findings suggest that there is ample room to improve consumers’ trust in the ECB. Personal COVID-19 experiences play a role: respondents who reduced the number of hours worked due to COVID-19 have lower trust in the ECB than those with unchanged working hours. Trust in the ECB varies within countries. It is highest among males and people with a good financial situation. It increases with financial knowledge, education, income, and wealth.