Monetary Policy
Central Bank of Libya - 2005 Annual Report
Legislation passed in 2005 has led to a more independent Central Bank of Libya. The Banking Law Number 1 allowed the central bank greater autonomy in deciding monetary and credit policy, and banking supervision.
Bernanke keeps markets guessing
In a wide-ranging review of the causes of the turbulence in financial markets and the role of housing finance in triggering it, Ben Bernanke, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, committed the Fed to take action as needed to promote financial stability.
Targeting is the best approach - Canada's Duguay
Pierre Duguay, a deputy governor of the Bank of Canada, said that the central bank would continue to use inflation targeting as part of its monetary policy.
Close call on Czech rate decision
The Czech National Bank's monetary policy board voted 4-3 in favour of a quarter-point rate hike on Thursday. The increase raises the benchmark two-week repo rate to 3.25%.
Japan unaffected by Fed decision says Mizuno
Atsuki Mizuno, a member of the Bank of Japan's monetary policy board, said Thursday a Federal Reserve rate cut would not stop a possible Japanese hike.
Albanian governor promotes transparency
Ardian Fullani, the governor of the Bank of Albania, highlighted the central bank's efforts to create a more transparent monetary policy framework in a recent speech.
Estonia delays euro entry
The Bank of Estonia has said that Estonia would not meet EU criteria for eurozone accession in the years 2008-2009 and thus would not be able to adopt the common currency in 2010.
Thailand holds rates
The Bank of Thailand decided Wednesday to keep its benchmark interest rate, the one day repurchase rate, at 3.25%.
Poland increases rates
The National Bank of Poland decided Wednesday to hike interest rates by a quarter despite inflation remaining below the central bank's target rate. The benchmark reference rate is now 4.75%.
Minutes highlight Fed's attitude shift
Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) last rate-setting meeting reveal optimism that the economy could weather turmoil in the money markets.
Central Bank of Luxembourg - Annual Report 2006
Inflation in Luxembourg increased for the third consecutive year in 2006.
Japan's low rates explained
Japan's low long-term interest rates can be explained with economic rationality, according to a paper published by the Bank of Japan on Wednesday.
Iranian governor resigns
Ebrahim Sheibani, the governor of the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has resigned.
Hungary maintains base rate
The National Bank of Hungary held the base rate at 7.75% on Monday 27 August.
Israel raises rates to 4%
The Bank of Israel increased its interest rate by 25 basis points to 4%, after inflation rose more than expected in July.
Colombia holds rates
Colombia's central bank decided to maintain its 9.25% interest rate on Friday after inflation fell in July.
Trichet stresses importance of transparency
Jean-Claude Trichet, the president of the European Central Bank (ECB), said that ensuring that inflation expectations stay well-anchored was "of paramount importance".
Mizuno wanted 25 bp hike
The minutes from the Bank of Japan's monetary policy board July meeting confirm that Atsushi Mizuno wanted to raise the overnight rate from 0.5% to 0.75%.
Problems with monetary policy transmission lags
A paper published by the Bank of Finland investigates how lags in monetary policy transmission can damage the credibility of inflation-targeting central bankers.
Bank of Mongolia - Annual Report 2006
Mongolia's economy grew by 8.4% in 2006. Inflation stood at 6%, 1 percentage point lower than the 7% limit set by the State Monetary Policy Guideline.
Malaysia holds rates at 3.5%
Bank Negara Malaysia decided to keep its overnight call rate at 3.5% on Friday.
Canada appoints special adviser
Paul Masson will join the Bank of Canada as a special adviser for the year 2007-08 in September, the central bank announced on Wednesday 22 August.
Bank of Slovenia - Annual Report 2006
Strong exports and domestic consumption helped Slovenia's economy grow by 5.2% in 2006. The construction sector had an impressive year, expanding by more than 20% in the final quarter.
The emergence of principles-based policy
The Swiss National Bank has published a paper reviewing what it describes as the success of its principles-based approach to monetary policy.