Monetary Policy
Upgraded Moody’s outlook puts Sarb rate cut bank on the menu
Lower inflation and an appreciating rand mean the South African Reserve Bank could cut rates at its meeting next week, but analysts think it might be too soon
Bank of Ghana slashes rates as inflation moves towards target
Central bank continues an easing cycle that began in 2016, citing a “significant moderation in price pressures”
Technological change has contributed to low wage increases – Riksbank’s Skingsley
Monetary policy can respond by balancing high resource utilisation with price stability
Fed policy should become more neutral – Bostic
As the economy operates close to potential and inflation approaches target, rates can be raised, the Atlanta Fed president says
Canada’s Wilkins calls for improved macro frameworks
Bank of Canada deputy highlights the importance of better models and improved data in understanding impact of monetary policy on stability
BoE on track for May rate hike
MPC votes 7-2 in favour of maintaining rates at 0.5% but leaves the door open for two potential rate hikes in 2018
Brazil nears end of easing cycle as rates hit fresh low
Committee signals there will likely be a pause in rate cuts soon, as inflation evolves “more benignly than expected”
Mongolian central bank opposes interest rate cap
Mongolia has some of the world’s highest interest rates, but the central bank warns caps are not the right solution
Powell strikes cautiously upbeat note in first policy press conference
Federal Open Market Committee shifts economic forecasts up marginally
Tajikistan cuts policy rate as inflation stabilises
Central bank says inflation is more stable and falling, creating room for cuts
Fed’s unconventional policies similar to measures in 1920s, says research
Market operations early in the 20th century more than tripled Fed’s Treasury portfolio
Kenyan central bank condemns interest rate cap legislation
Rules introduced in 2016 have restricted access to credit for small firms and impaired the central bank’s ability to conduct monetary policy
Sarb launches its first app-based quarterly bulletin
User feedback reveals current format is cumbersome and “static”; central bank partners with external firm to create new app
Re-pricing of assets could dampen global recovery, RBA deputy warns
Debelle says equities may be mispriced and says interest rates show “puzzling” features
SNB struggles to end ultra-loose policy regime
The Swiss central bank’s hopes of normalising policy are being held back by weak expectations, a strong currency and policy actions abroad
Norges Bank board strikes more bullish tone on outlook
Stronger signs from the economy prompt the central bank to bring forward plans for first hike; new inflation target will have limited effect on policy, central bank says
UAE deposits $1.4bn with Sudan’s central bank as currency pressure continues
The country has “unsustainable” debt levels and US sanctions hurt debt relief – IMF
Ukraine’s MPC concerned over inflationary pressures – minutes
First published minutes show currency worries as deadlock blocks vote on governor
Algerian monetary financing may stoke inflation, warns IMF
In September 2017, Algiers resorted to central bank financing of budget deficits