Financial Stability
OECD’s Gurría wants ‘mother of all’ firewalls in Europe
OECD secretary-general demands expansion of emergency funds available to struggling eurozone sovereigns; wants monetary conditions to remain ‘supportive’
Bank of Israel forecasts higher growth and inflation in 2012
Central bank says improving global conditions are the major driver as inflation and growth expectations in Israel are revised upwards
Zambia plans to start printing new currency by May
Bank of Zambia announces printing, minting and distribution of new banknotes and coins will be under way by May 2012
Richmond Fed paper highlights benefit of debt ceiling
Fed research finds governments can see improvements in fiscal positions when utilising debt ceiling targets
IMF's Shinohara airs concerns over slowing Asian growth
Weak demand in Europe and US has potential to harm growth prospects for Asia, says IMF deputy managing director
Elderfield wants to see investment not new debt in banking sector
Operational flexibility provided by investment is crucial for banking sector in future, says deputy governor of the Central Bank of Ireland
Draghi applauds team effort on euro turnaround
ECB president says every institution in the eurozone contributed to turnaround witnessed since November; warns there is more to be done
Bank of Canada celebrates new $50 note entering circulation
New note is second in series of polymer banknotes for Canada; first to be made available via automated banking machines
ECB allows eurozone central banks to veto collateral
ECB says central banks in member countries can refuse bank bonds guaranteed by governments of countries involved in EU/IMF bailout programmes as collateral
IMF working paper links democracy and GDP growth
International Monetary Fund researchers conclude that income inequality is key driver to the emergence of open societies
Bank of Portugal paper explores optimal capital structure for businesses
Structure of optimal level of debt a key decision for business, says Bank of Portugal working paper
ESRB assesses systemic risks to EU financial system
European Systemic Risk Board analyses key systemic risks to financial system in the EU; uncertainties surrounding sovereign debt and pressures on bank funding among top issues
Interim FPC attacks banks’ progress in raising capital
Interim Financial Policy Committee says banks have yet to accumulate capital levels that would “ensure resilience in the face of prospective risks”; committee also discusses macro-prudential tools
Namibia issues first new banknotes in 19 years
Bank of Namibia releases second issue of banknotes since country attained independence in 1990; new notes incorporate improved security features
Bernanke pays homage to predecessors
Chairman of the Federal Reserve remembers achievements of Paul Volcker and Alan Greenspan as he delivers second lecture to students
Central Bank of Brazil research investigates control amid rising inflation trends
Brazilian central bank publishes research showing the ability to simultaneously stabilise the inflation rate and the output gap reduces as inflation trend rises
IMF paper finds supply-side measures can help combat food price inflation
International Monetary Fund working paper suggests interest rate or administrative changes in emerging economies are unlikely to be as effective as supply-side initiatives
Former BoE deputy governor warns on unwinding QE
Unravelling never-before-seen levels of quantitative easing in the global system will be an unprecedented challenge, says John Gieve
Israel’s Fischer defends banking costs
Stanley Fischer warns forcing banks to reduce fees could cause wider problems; says Israel must be "serious and not populist" in demands on banking sector
China and Australia sign A$30bn currency swap
Australia joins the ranks of central banks with a bilateral currency swap line with China; reflects increased use of renminbi and closer trading ties between the countries
Euro banknotes with Draghi’s signature enter circulation
Mario Draghi's signature appears on circulating euro banknotes as the ECB president expresses faith that situation in Europe is stabilising
Curaçao and Sint Maarten governor discusses benefits of more women in labour force
Greater female participation in labour market key to meeting demographic challenges of the future, says Emsley Tromp
HKMA bulletin reveals liquidity pressures
Funding costs for banks rise amid tougher international climate as renminbi debt market expands, says HKMA Quarterly Bulletin and Half Year Financial Stability Report
Central Bank of Chile governor raises inflationary concerns
Rising oil prices and capital flows to emerging economies present a monetary policy dilemma says Rodrigo Vergara