QE

abbreviation

quantitative easing

The Fed's bond-buying program, dubbed quantitative easing, or QE, is designed to boost growth by keeping borrowing rates low. QE has been likened to a steroid injection, or performing-enhancing drug, and has been cited as a key driver of stock prices.

—Adam Shell

For those keeping track, that would be "QE3"—the third time since the recession started at the end of 2007 that central bankers have resorted to printing money through the large-scale asset purchases known as "quantitative easing."

—Chicago Tribune