Reserves
Israeli reserves reach new record high
Foreign currency purchases to offset shekel’s strength boost portfolio to $194 billion
SNB’s Jordan rejects higher profit distribution
Current system takes into account market risk stemming from ever-larger balance sheet
Central banks remained net gold buyers in Q1
Rate of gold buying down on first quarter of 2020, as Hungary leads purchases
Iran’s central bank tries to unfreeze foreign assets
Governor seeks to reduce effects of US sanctions, but expert says nuclear talks will be key
Central banks play growing role as local gold buyers
Purchase programmes can save resources, while fostering security and fairness in mining industry
Bank of Mexico has no dividend for government
Mexican president had asked for advance from central bank last year
Taiwan dollar weakens over fears of US action
US Treasury expected to label Asian ally a currency manipulator on next exchange rate report
IMF voices fears over Madagascar central bank’s local gold buying
Central bank is buying unrefined gold, but IMF officials warn safeguards are at risk
Bank of Israel’s reserves reach new record high
Reserves portfolio reaches $185.7 billion, driven by central bank’s FX interventions
Hungary’s central bank triples gold holdings
MNB says inflation risk and higher government debt played “key role” in decision
MAS contributes reserves to IMF pandemic funds
Singapore to provide $20.6 million to IMF initiatives for low-income countries hit by Covid-19
Taiwan governor optimistic over US currency dispute
Yang says country meets ‘currency manipulator’ criteria but adds he does not expect sanctions
Israeli reserves surge to new record high of $185 billion
International reserves portfolio reaches 46% of GDP
Brazil ramps up FX interventions to defend real
Governor Campos Neto says fall “is not justified by fundamentals”
Will Treasury yields keep on rising?
Falling price of US bonds may force reserve managers to change duration to preserve capital
Book notes: Asset management at central banks and monetary authorities, edited by Jacob Bjorheim
This excellent book fills a critical gap existing since IMF guidelines on asset management were revised
RBI offers bond accounts to retail investors
Central bank to sell debt directly to public, as recent auctions show signs of strain
Bank of Finland to focus on sustainable growth
Central bank also aims to create “world’s best” financial literacy programme
Israeli reserves “well beyond adequacy” – IMF
Fund calls on Bank of Israel to cease FX purchases once inflation returns to target
Mexican president seems to make U-turn on central bank law
Bank of Mexico says draft cash law would endanger its independence
Central banks must mobilise their FX reserves
The pandemic and climate crises call for bold action, write Gary Smith and John Nugée
Bank of Israel announces major increase in FX interventions
Central bank announces FX spend in advance for first time and pledges 40% increase
Chile’s central bank to boost reserves by over 30%
CBC will purchase $12 billion to bring reserves to 18% of GDP before IMF credit line ends
SNB expects $23.5 billion profit in 2020
Profits on foreign currency positions account for $14.6 billion