Monetary policy decisions
IMF staff praise Colombian policy mix as central bank hikes by another 25bp
Co-ordinated policy action is supporting “orderly adjustment” in Colombia’s economy, IMF staff say, including good pass-through of rate hikes; central bank continues to tighten
Sarb hikes rate despite split decision on MPC
Monetary policy committee decides to raise key rate by 25bp after an initial 3:3 split; concerns over inflation remain for some members
ECB launches ‘comprehensive package’ as inflation outlook worsens
Mario Draghi announces cuts in interest rates and an expansion to the ECB’s asset-purchase programme, as well as a second TLTRO package, larger than the original
Namibia hikes to ‘align’ rates in region
Bank of Namibia hikes by 25bp to 6.75%, following decision in South Africa in January after depreciation of rand hit inflation outlook
Soaring inflation sees Mozambique hike by 100bp
Inflation reaches 11.25% in January as a result of food-price shock; central bank hikes while government attempts to focus on other figures