Monetary Policy
Maurice Obstfeld on the trade war’s damage to the monetary system
The former IMF chief economist speaks about Trump’s chaotic economic policies, the erosion of Fed independence and dollar stability, difficult policy trade-offs for central banks, and the threat to the Bretton Woods institutions
Nigeria keeps policy rate at 27.5%
Bank makes second consecutive hold as inflation declines, and cites alarm over trade policy uncertainty
Romania opts to hold, citing domestic and global uncertainty
Central bank cites fluctuating commodity prices, tariff risks and volatility resulting from national politics
Ukraine’s Andriy Pyshnyy on the US minerals deal, ongoing reforms and post-war plans
The National Bank of Ukraine’s governor speaks about managing inflation, financial sector reform, FX reserves, international aid and actions in the event of a peace deal
Bank of Mexico puts growth before prices with rate cut
Economists say decision reflects concerns about possible tariff-induced recession
Dallas Fed study adds to official scepticism of US tariffs
Research says potential for domestic gains will depend on other countries not responding
Korean officials argue for stablecoin authorisation body
Central bankers warn of currency substitution and monetary policy risks
Tariffs already raising US inflation – Fed study
Researchers say trade policies were starting to affect consumer prices in March
Eurozone monetary policy must remain ‘firmly’ neutral – Schnabel
ECB board member cautions against overreacting to undershooting
Global reset is testing emerging markets – Gopinath
IMF’s deputy managing director says small economies must be ready to respond forcefully to inflation
Peru cuts by 25bp in surprise move
Policy rate now approaching level “estimated as neutral”, central bank says
Albania, Norway, Sweden hold rates, Poland cuts by 50bp
Falling food and energy prices amid high trade uncertainty prompt cautious approaches
Brazil hikes rates again as inflation still above target
BCB tightens by 50bp to 14.75% and leaves next decision open
Bank of England cuts rates to 4.25% as disinflation continues
Effects of US tariffs on growth will be smaller in UK than elsewhere, central bank says
Fed holds rates as experts sound alarm over stagflation
FOMC says risks have risen on both the employment and inflation sides of its mandate
Czech National Bank reduces rates by 25 basis points
CNB makes “very cautious” move amid domestic economic recovery and international uncertainty
Georgia and Armenia hold rates
Central banks in both Caucasus nations point to risks of inflation resulting from US tariffs
PBoC cuts rates and lowers reserve requirement ratios
China delivers major round of stimulus measures before opening trade talks with US
FOMC vote rotation ‘distorts’ rates – NBER paper
Regional Fed presidents make decisions based on local conditions, research finds
Pakistan cuts rates to 11%
Central bank expects inflation to rise to 5–7% target level over coming months
Experts divided over contraction in US economy
Ex-NY Fed chief says latest figures are an anomaly, though others point to Trump policies’ impact
Bank of Japan holds rates and halves growth outlook
Path to policy normalisation will depend on negotiations with US over tariffs, analysts say
Trump makes a U-turn on Powell
President “might” call Fed chair about lowering rates, but claims he never had any intention of firing him