Monetary Policy
Russia eases amid Middle East conflict uncertainty
Central bank says it is too soon to estimate war’s likely impact on domestic economy
ECB holds rates, predicts 2.6% inflation for 2026
Lagarde presents gloomy outlook for eurozone inflation and growth as energy prices spike
Bank of England holds rates and hints at hikes
MPC member says UK economy ‘damaged’ by energy shock as war triggers first unanimous vote since 2021
Brazil starts easing with cautious rate cut amid oil shock
BCB says Middle East conflict has intensified domestic inflation risks
SNB holds rates, vows to fight franc appreciation
Bank says short-term inflation pressures are high but will remain ‘virtually unchanged’ in medium term
BoJ holds as Middle East conflict threatens higher inflation
Ueda says Japanese firms could pass on costs ‘more aggressively’ than after start of Ukraine war
Fed holds amid uncertainty over oil shock and tariffs
Powell pledges to stay on as interim chair if Warsh’s nomination is not confirmed in Senate
Canada holds rates amid potential energy shock and jobs downturn
Governor Macklem says sustained higher prices would warrant monetary response
Iceland hikes rates by 25bp
Inflation continues to rise as central bank aims to pre-empt effects of energy shock
Indonesia holds rates and adjusts FX rules to stabilise rupiah
BI says Middle East conflict provides greater reason for fiscal-monetary policy co-ordination
Australia hikes rates to combat inflation
RBA says price rises are result of capacity pressures, and persistent oil rally may worsen situation
BIS urges central banks to look through energy price surge
Oil and gas prices up 40% and 60% respectively since Middle East conflict began
Peru’s central bank holds rates as inflation picks up
BCRP says bad weather, domestic gas shock and fallout from Middle East conflict will push up prices
Slovak governor downplays odds of ECB rate hike
Kažimír says bank unlikely to react this month, but leaves open option of tightening in April or June
RBI buys bonds as Iran war threatens economic outlook
Economists expect central bank to stay on hold, despite risk of higher inflation and lower growth
Pakistan holds rates, citing uncertainty from Iran war
Central bank expects inflation to remain above its 5–7% target
NBU governor calls for EU probe into asset seizure
State-owned bank’s staff now released from custody, but assets remain in Hungary
PBoC plans more market-based monetary policy formulation
Analysts expect Middle East conflict to have little impact on policy in China
Single and dual mandates often result in same policy – Schnabel
AI productivity boom yet to show up in eurozone data, ECB board member adds
Central Bank of West African States eases policy by 25bp
BCEAO says negative inflation prompted decision, but expects prices to rise in 2026