Monetary policy decisions
Brazil’s central bank cuts rates to record low
MPC says there is limited space for more monetary policy stimulus as crisis continues
BoE says negative rates ‘in toolbox’ and forecasts slow recovery
First “proper” forecast since Covid-19 outbreak gives little hope of a V-shaped recovery
Colombia cuts rates to record low of 2.25%
Central bank has revised down GDP growth to a range between -6% and -10% for 2020
Fed extends swap lines and warns of slowing US economy
More fiscal and monetary stimulus will be needed as cases surge in US, chair Powell said
Bank of Russia cuts rates to record low
Governor argues monetary stimulus will offset fiscal consolidation efforts in 2021–22
Sarb cuts rates as unemployment breaches 30%
Central bank says emerging markets will struggle as lockdown measures ease
NBU surprises with hold in Shevchenko’s first policy decision
New governor had seemed to hint at desire to ease policy, but now indicates rate will remain on hold
Hungary’s central bank to start buying government securities
Central bank says monetary policy has fallen short and cuts interest rates to a new low of 0.6%
Canada holds rates as governor warns of “long climb out”
Governor says interest rates will stay “unusually low” as central bank forecasts GDP fall of 7.8%
Eurozone outlook is ‘highly uncertain’, says Lagarde
ECB maintains stimulus package unchanged as lower energy prices weaken inflation
Bank of Canada sees economy enter ‘recuperation’ phase
Central bank keeps government bond purchases at minimum C$5 billion ($3.7 billion) a week
Bank Negara Malaysia cuts policy rate to fresh low
Labour market weakness and cautious households may hamper recovery, central bank warns
Bank of Israel launches corporate bond purchases
Central bank also extends cheap funding for bank lending
EMEs should lower rates when faced with capital outflows – Fed research
Not cutting rates could worsen GDP and accelerate outflows, researchers find
Riksbank expands QE and adds corporate debt to purchases
Swedish central bank cuts lending rates to banks, but keeps repo rate unchanged at 0%
Zimbabwe increases interest rates as inflation soars
Central bank raises interest rates to 35%
Mexican central bank cuts rates despite rise in inflation
Board makes unanimous decision and stresses “uncertain” economic outlook
Paraguay cuts rates to 0.75%
Economic activity declined significantly in April, central bank reports
Namibia’s central bank cuts rates to record low
Central bank acts to preserve link to South African currency as it reintroduces lockdown measures
Costa Rica cuts rates to lowest level in over 10 years
Covid-19 has accelerated a disinflationary trend, central bank says
Central Bank of Chile steps up unconventional policies
Asset purchase programme and funding available to banks set to reach 10% of GDP
New York Fed to tighten repo operations
Fed sees “substantial improvements” in dollar funding markets
Fed promises to keep buying assets at current rate
Fed will hold accommodation in place for “however long it takes”, chair Jerome Powell says
Bank of Uganda cuts rate and warns of lasting disruption
Central bank cuts rates and narrows target band, as impact of Covid-19 in Uganda continues