Middle East
Malaysia holds but hints at future tightening
BNM no longer referring to its monetary policy stance as ‘appropriate’
Bessent believes BoJ will act in support of yen
‘I have information that the market doesn’t have,’ US Treasury secretary says
BoK delivers second consecutive rate hike
Central bank forecasts stronger growth as inflation remains above target
Sweden holds while Iceland tightens
Both Nordic central banks cite lingering inflation risk, but reach different conclusions
Syria adopts electronic payment system
Central bank says move will eventually aid country’s reintegration into global financial system
Libyan governor sets out conditions for withdrawing resignation
Issa reportedly wants faster implementation of budget, trade reforms and halt to wage rises
Iraq receives $500m from Fed as government faces cash shortage
Oil-exporting country’s income comes under strain as Hormuz uncertainty persists
Thai economy needs monetary, fiscal, financial policy mix – BoT
‘Single policy tool insufficient to mitigate more frequent shocks,’ central bank says
Anchoring expectations ‘critical’ in energy shock – BIS researchers
Most significant shock since the 90s Gulf crisis “may warrant hiking rates more quickly”
Central bank gold demand bounces back to record high
World Gold Council revision points to slowdown in central bank demand in first quarter of 2026
BoJ holds as yen and won both rise on suspected interventions
Japan’s central bank more hawkish than at previous meetings as it keeps rates at 1%
Bank of England keeps rates at 3.75%
Split 6–3 decision points to divisions over inflation outlook amid escalation of Iran war
Jordan leaves key rate unchanged for fourth consecutive meeting
Most sectors of domestic economy operating normally despite conflict in region, says IMF
UAE’s cash card could function as surveillance tech, expert says
Central bank says new scheme will operate within legal framework for customer privacy
Tajikistan keeps inflation on target after lowering band
Central bank reports 4.1% price growth in H1, 50bp higher than in first half of last year
Nine out of 10 Japanese people see prices rising
BoJ survey shows around half of respondents expect economic slowdown in a year’s time
BoE’s scenarios are best way forward, say ex-MPC members
Former UK policy-makers say forecasting approach is suited to today’s highly uncertain times
BoK hikes rates and signals further tightening
Bank announces first rise in more than three years as Shin says growth and inflation will remain elevated
Malaysia holds rates amid ‘fluid’ situation in Middle East
Central bank has kept benchmark rate at 2.75% for 12 months running
RBNZ tightens policy and expects more hikes to come
Central bank says inflation still above target
Israel continues easing cycle following US-Iran ceasefire
Improved inflation outlook and strong currency mean further cuts are likely, expert says