Governance
Cleveland Fed's Pianalto reveals basketball link
Visiting a school recently, Cleveland Fed President Sandra Pianalto was mobbed for autographs by the schoolchildren who crowded round her.
Udovicki's future at NBS still in balance
The Serbian Parliament began a debate on proposed changes to legislation on presidential elections on Thursday (19 Feb). Parliament completed debate on the appointment of the National Bank governor but has yet to put it to a vote.
Central bank to cut 300 staff in Ecuador
The Central Bank of Ecuador (BCE) is to reduce its staff numbers by 28% to 777 as part of a cost cutting plan. The move brings the BCE into line with IMF recommendations and follows criticism of its high wage bill.
Bank of Canada mourns former Governor Bouey
Gerald Bouey, Governor of the Bank of Canada from 1973 to 1987, died on 6 February. In a statement David Dodge expressed sadness at the passing of a great friend.
New York Fed names Christine Cumming First VP
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York named Christine Cumming, a 24 year veteran of the Bank, as its new first vice president on Monday (9 Feb). Timothy Geithner said that her fine judgement and intellectual contribution to the bank is impressive.
Former Riksbank governor founds EU-sceptic party
Former governor of the Sveriges Riksbank Lars Wohlin has become a co-founder of a new EU-sceptical party, which plans to contest European Parliament elections in June.
Sweden's central bank gets a chief press officer
The Sveriges Riskbank has created a new job at the world's oldest central bank. Jorgen Eklund will become the chief press officer as the Bank's external communications "have increased in scope" the Riksbank said.
Speculation on Barker's replacement at BoE
Kate Barker's term on the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee is due to end in May. While she could be reappointed, a few names have been aired as potential successors.
Music fit for a King
We hear that Mervyn King prepared himself for the cut and thrust of the Bank of England's recent MPC meeting with an evening in London's Royal Festival Hall, listening to Shostakovich's fifth symphony.
A plot to discredit Zimbabwe's Gono?
A plot to discredit Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr Gideon Gono has been unearthed and there are behind-the-scenes plans to cause his downfall, according to reports.
Serbia's Udovicki 'ready to resign'
The governor of the National Bank of Serbia, Kori Udovicki, has repeated that she is ready to quit if it will help facilitate a change of management at the bank.
Brazil's Meirelles scotches resignation rumours
Rumours originating in New York this week suggested that Brazilian central bank president Henrique Meirelles was about to resign.
Brash fires Maori MP who criticised his speech
Last week we reported New Zealand National Party Maori MP Georgina te Heuheu's criticism of "Maori bashing" in a speech made by the party's leader, and former governor of the RBNZ, Don Brash. But Brash defended his speech and this week fired the MP.
Ireland names candidate for ECB position
Ireland's Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy proposed Michael Tutty this week as the country's nominated candidate to sit on the Executive Board of the European Central Bank.
Coin chaos in Vietnam as children eat them
The State Bank of Vietnam's recent issue of three new coins turned to disaster when children started eating them after mistaking them for sweets.
Macfarlane's credit card bill rumpus
Australia's newspapers went into overdrive this week after one was able to obtain RBA governor Ian Macfarlane's American Express statements under a "Freedom of Information request". The bank was forced to defend Macfarlane's $249,000 credit card bill,…
Economic outlook 'mixed' at Chicago Fed
Chicago Fed president Michael Moskow gave his first speech of 2004 on Tuesday. But while we're sure he got his message across loud and clear, the bank's own website reported it with a spelling mistake in the title. Or is the US economy in more of a…
'Capitalism is not working'
Former US Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill's recent book "The Price of Loyalty" contains various quotes attributed to Alan Greenspan. Although his comments on President Bush got much publicity recently, what the Fed maestro had to say was largely…
Gerashchenko's appeal fails
Russia's Supreme Court rejected an appeal from former central bank chairman Viktor Gerashchenko on Friday 6 February over refusal by the Central Electoral Commission to register him a candidate in the upcoming presidential election.
Spain has 'very good' candidates to replace Solans
Spain can offer "very good candidates" to replace European Central Bank executive board member Eugenio Domingo Solans when his mandate ends on May 31, said Economy Minister Rodrigo Rato this week.
Trichet nose his skiing
Attending a summit in London this week ECB boss Jean-Claude Trichet stood out from the crowd with what was described as a large plaster on his nose.
Fazio could faces job loss in shake-up
The Italian Government is apparently seeking to vary the appointment terms of the Governor of the Bank of Italy, currently Antonio Fazio, in a move that would force him to step down.
Brash speech criticised by Maori MP
Former Reserve Bank of New Zealand governor Don Brash, now leader of the National Party, has been criticised by Georgina te Heuheu, the party's only Maori MP, for a speech she described as "Maori bashing".