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FSA steps up split caps probe
UK - The city watchdog has stepped up its investigation into split caps, with the announcement that it has started swooping on investment firms involved in the controversial trusts.
Speech by Wim Duisenberg, President of the ECB
SPEECH - In a speech at Maastricht University, Duisenberg said that the E.U.'s budget rules as laid down in the Stability and Growth Pact are a key element for a well-functioning monetary union.
Japan ready to intervene in markets
JAPAN - Japan's government said yesterday it was prepared to take "decisive action" to prevent a further fall in the stock market after the Nikkei 225 benchmark index closed at an 18-year low.
Banker calls for Asian free trade area
UK - The economies of south-east and east Asia should intensify efforts to build a regional free trade area to reduce their dependence on information technology exports to the US, according to Tadao Chino, president of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Foreign banks play down euro importance to City
UK - Foreign banks operating in London believe that the City's success does not depend on the euro.
Testimony of US Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill
TESTIMONY - In testimony to congressional lawmakers, Paul O'Neill, Treasury secretary, said: "We see more and more signs every day indicating that the seeds for a recovery are there, and only need nourishing to speed the process of putting Americans back…
Speech by Tito Mboweni, Res Bank of South Africa
SPEECH - Mboweni said in the speech titled, 'Globalisation and implications for monetary policy in South Africa' that we are witnessing the global acceptance by political leaders of the independence of central banks as a critical factor for credible…
ECB Press Release
PRESS RELEASE - ECB recognises partners' valuable contribution to the smooth introduction of the euro banknotes and coins 5 February.
Argentina delays floating peso
ARGENTINA - The Argentine Government has extended the closure of banks and foreign exchange centres for another two days, suspending plans to fully float the peso.
Govt not mulling asking BOJ for further easing now
JAPAN - The government isn't considering asking the Bank of Japan to take additional monetary easing measures, top government spokesman Yasuo Fukuda said Wednesday.
Latvia parlt vote on cbank deputy head seen 14 Feb
LATVIA - A Latvian parliament commission said on Wednesday it approved financier Andris Ruselis as the candidate for the post of the central bank deputy president, with the parliament vote seen on 14 February.
Swedish Riksbank to publish intervention details
SWEDEN - Sweden's Riksbank, proclaiming greater openness than other central banks, said on Wednesday it will publish regular details of any currency intervention in future, formalising a practice introduced last summer.
Mexico - No rift with ctrl bk over power rate hike
MEXICO - There is "no rift at all" between the Mexican finance ministry and the central bank, following the government's decision to raise electricity prices, a move that Bank of Mexico Governor Guillermo Ortiz has dubbed inflationary, Finance Minister…
Poland deploys technology in reserve management
POLAND - Trema today announced that the National Bank of Poland has selected Finance KIT, Trema's straight-through processing treasury, risk and asset management solution, to automate its reserve management in preparation for Economic and Monetary Union…
China to open banking sector as promised
CHINA - China will keep its promise to gradually open up its banking sector in accordance with the timetable set in the WTO agreement, said Chinese central bank governor.
Czech Havel meets Niedermayer on his cbank post
CZECH REPUBLIC - Czech President Vaclav Havel met central bank (CNB) Vice-Governor Ludek Niedermayer late on Monday to discuss his future on the bank's policy-setting board, Havel's spokesman said on Tuesday.
IMF Press Release, 4 February
PRESS RELEASE - IMF Managing Director Sees Impressive Commitment by Turkey to Economic Reforms; Executive Board Approves US$16 Billion Stand-By Credit.
Turkey - Letter of Intent
NEWS - The following item is a Letter of Intent of the government of Turkey, which describes the policies that Turkey intends to implement in the context of its request for financial support from the IMF.
IMF approves $16bn for Turkey
TURKEY - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a $16bn economic package for Turkey, the third major aid program for Ankara in under two years.
Afghan currency 'expected to stabilise'
AFGHANISTAN - The Afghan currency, the Afghani, has seen huge changes in value over the last few months.
Afghanistan's accounting nightmare
FEATURE - Deep in the vaults of Afghanistan's central bank is what looks like a mountain of money - bundles of notes piled as high as a man fill a small room.
Egypt calls for aid
EGYPT - Egypt is to ask international donors for financial support of $2.5bn to help it plug the gap in the country's accounts.
Reserve Bank of New Zealand News Release
NEWS RELEASE - The Reserve Bank today rejected the suggestion, made by ACT leader Richard Prebble, that the registration of Kiwibank involved any special treatment, 4 February.