Central Banks
Belgium's Quaden says all things possible
Belgian National Bank governor Guy Quaden said in a radio interview it is possible for the European Central Bank to control inflation at the same time as promoting growth.
BOJ punishes 41 staff after expenses probe
The Bank of Japan said Friday 4 August it would punish 41 officials for either receiving or paying higher than necessary allowances for air travel in the seven years from 1999.
Trichet says further rate rises may be 'warranted'
European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet said Thursday 3 August more interest rate increases may be "warranted" after the bank increased eurozone rates for the fourth time in eight months.
Bank of England appoints Finance Director
The Bank of England announced on Wednesday 2 August that Warwick Jones has been appointed Finance Director of the Bank of England from 1 October. Mr Jones will be an Executive Director of the Bank and a member of the Executive Team.
Simon Brooks appointed Vice-President of the EIB
Simon Brooks, a former Director in the Macroeconomic Policy and International Finance Directorate of the UK Treasury, has joined the European Investment Bank (EIB) as Vice-President.
Ghana's Acquah says economy is resilient
Dr. Paul Acquah, governor of the Bank of Ghana, said the real sector of the economy in the first half of the year was robust in spite of the rising petroleum prices and the effect on domestic fuel prices.
Surprise as Bank of England tightens early
The Bank of England raised interest rates by a quarter-point on Thursday 3 August, bringing the official bank rate to 4.75% after a year on hold.
Paper on European and US sovereign bond markets
The Research Technical Paper "An empirical analysis of transparency-related characteristics of European and US sovereign bond markets" from the Central Bank & Financial Services Authority of Ireland examines transparency-related characteristics of…
Report says BOJ expenses overcharged
Bank of Japan employees allegedly padded travel costs by 100 million yen (US$870,000; euro680,000), Kyodo News agency reported.
Comment: BoE brightens silly season slumber
The Bank of England surprised practically everyone on 3 August by raising rates by 25 basis points. The Bank's next Inflation Report, to be released on 9 August, and the minutes from the August meeting will make intriguing reading. The move will also the…
IMF paper on lending resumption after default
The IMF Working Paper "Lending resumption after default: Lessons from capital markets during the 19th century" mines the experience of capital markets during the 19th century to propose an alternative way of interpreting international default episodes.
The Old Lady can afford to be patient
According to this article by the Financial Times, published on Wednesday 2 August, there is a big difference between the predictability of the ECB's plans on Thursday, and the uncertainty surrounding the Bank of England's decision the same day.
BoJ will raise rates at slow pace
Bank of Japan policy board member Atsushi Mizuno said Wednesday 2 August that the central bank will raise short-term interest rates at a "slow" pace while cautiously watching economic and price situations.
Counterfeiters finally crack the Euro note
According to this article published on The New Zealand Herald's website on Wednesday 2 August, the amount of counterfeit currency discovered in the 12 euroland countries is now running at 600,000 notes a year - roughly the same as before the single…
Gono's monetary policy unsound and ineffective
According to this article published by the NewZimbabwe website on Tuesday 1 August, the Zimbabwean economic meltdown is rooted in a crisis of political governance and legitimacy.
Malaysia appoints three new assistant governors
Bank Negara Malaysia announced Wednesday 2 August the appointment of three additional Assistant Governors, Dato' Mohd Nor bin Mashor , Puan Lillian Leong Bee Lian and Encik Gopala Krishnan Sundaram, effective immediately.
Glenn Stevens appointed governor of the RBA
Australian Treasurer Peter Costello announced on Tuesday 1 August that Glenn Stevens has been appointed governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia for a term of seven years, with effect from 18 Sep.
Australia bank chief faces a tough debut
According to this article by Reuters, published Tuesday 1 August, new RBA governor Glenn Stevens is likely to upset politicians and Australia's heavily indebted homeowners, with his chief concern the control of inflation.
Greenspan ghost writer gives memoirs 'pace'
Dame Marjorie Scardino, chief executive of Penguin's parent company Pearson, said Monday 31 July that Alan Greenspan had agreed to allow a ghost writer to help to "make [his memoir] more pacey - because Alan is an academic".
Comment: Has Trichet's gambit paid off?
The ECB heads into this week's monetary policy meeting with markets fully expecting a 25 basis point hike. Has the decision to have an unscheduled meeting, which effectively pre-announced the decision, changed the prospects for the course of eurozone…
Bank of Italy adopts new statute
The Bank of Italy has approved a new statute proposed by governor Mario Draghi, La Stampa reported Friday 28 July. One new measure will see the directorate increasing from four to five members.