Monetary Policy
Icelandic MP posits radical monetary reform
Report proposes scrapping fractional reserve banking and handing Central Bank of Iceland authority over money creation; central bank says it is not considering the plans further
Draghi defends ECB’s voting opacity
While extolling the virtues of central bank transparency, the ECB governor says not publishing a voting record allows members to support the overall decision despite privately disagreeing
Hellwig warns against expanding financial stability mandate too far
Martin Hellwig presents his thoughts on how to strike a balance between the macroeconomic and financial stability objectives of monetary policy
Central Bank of Bahrain launches Islamic liquidity facility
Wakalah instrument chosen on basis of its effectiveness as a short-term liquidity management tool, executive director says, allowing banks to deposit excess reserves with the central bank
Wilkins sheds light on research into Bank of Canada regime
Senior deputy governor Carolyn Wilkins tells Central Banking how the Bank of Canada is preparing for the inflation-targeting renewal in 2016; sets out three research themes
Riksbank’s new approach to nowcasting reviewed
Article in Economic Review evaluates the forecasting performance of a dynamic factor model adopted by Sweden's central bank, finding it a useful addition to its suite of tools
IMF report urges review of euro timeline in Romania
Staff fear convergence could take longer than expected; encourage the transition to a ‘full-fledged’ inflation targeting regime at the central bank
Yellen sees potential benefits in ‘tight’ labour market
Fed chair Janet Yellen says allowing unemployment to fall below its longer-run level for a short time could help return inflation to target quicker and boost productivity
Bank of Korea torn between debt and demand
The central bank in Asia's fourth biggest economy is grappling with how to set policy when the country carries a private debt burden that could increase in size no matter the strategy
SNB’s Zurbrügg: negative rates having ‘desired effect’
Governing board member says negative interest rates are influencing the money and capital markets as intended, noting the exchange rate has also started to normalise since the January decision
Poloz: volatility not a reflection of central bank credibility
Canadian governor – greater volatility is a ‘natural reaction’ to central banks gearing up to normalise monetary policy; highlights cost of using forward guidance
Greek governor paints bleak picture of life without the euro
Yannis Stournaras insists leaving the eurozone is ‘not an option’ for Greece, as it would impose ‘huge costs’ on the financial system and real economy alike
Prasarn pledges loose monetary policy until structural shift bears fruit
Governor urges infrastructure push to catapult Thailand out of middle-income trap; monetary policy to 'remain accommodative' until changes become effective
BIS paper weighs effectiveness of FX intervention strategies
Intervention to reduce volatility or to lean against exchange rate movements each come with distinct costs and benefits, working paper finds
Fed’s Evans harbours ‘serious concerns’ over inflation
Chicago Fed president wants to see stronger wage growth and a recovery in ‘long-term inflation compensation’ demanded by investors before sanctioning rate hike
Hungary adopts 'tolerance band' around inflation target
Band gives policy-makers greater flexibility and reflects willingness to tolerate temporary deviations from target; central bank cuts rates to resist negative inflation
UK inflation hits zero
For the first time ever, consumer prices were unchanged in the year to February, although the 0% figure masks substantial variation among sectors; BoE hints at easing possibility
Kalyalya: Bank of Zambia will revamp communications
New governor tells press the central bank will look to establish ‘more structured and regular’ communications with the public; sets out economic challenges and opportunities
Fischer sees shocks disrupting future path of rates
Fed vice-chair Stanley Fischer says smooth upward path for the federal funds rate will ‘almost certainly not be realised’ given the likelihood of shocks in the US economy
IMF tells SNB to consider asset purchases
In the face of slowing growth and deepening deflation the Swiss National Bank should ease monetary policy, which could be done via purchases of foreign currency assets, IMF says
Forward guidance can help QE succeed, Finnish research says
Article in Bank of Finland bulletin considers whether eurozone is at risk of Japanese-style deflation, finding the ECB’s asset purchases reduce the odds of this outcome
Noyer says ECB can cope with solvency risks
Banque de France governor flags risks from balance sheet expansion, but says the ECB is ‘fully protected’ against solvency risks
Cleveland Fed’s Mester sees guidance as 'comms device'
Loretta Mester believes the Fed should stop using forward guidance as a policy tool when economic conditions have normalised and stick to setting out its reaction function
ECB closely watching impact of QE on financial stability
Mario Draghi tells Econ committee the central bank is aware of the potential for QE to inflate asset prices and invite excessive risk taking, but risks are ‘contained’ at present