Central Banks
Strong euro does not require rate cut - Buba
According to Hermann Remsperger, the Bundesbank's chief economist, the ECB does not need to cut eurozone interest rates to stimulate domestic demand. The ECB's rate-setting Governing Council is due to meet on Thursday 5 February.
Forex reserves hit record high in South Korea
South Korea's foreign exchange reserves hit a record high in January, helped by the government's continued dollar buying.
PBOC offers huge reward to Olympic coin designer
The People's Bank of China announced on Tuesday 3 february that it will pay up to 1.5 million yuan (US$181,378) for winning commemorative coin designs for the 2008 Olympic Games.
Central banks in the dock: lessons from BCCI
As the Bank of England begins its marathon court case over its handling of the failure of BCCI, CentralBankNet spoke to Charles Proctor about the lessons for other regulators.
Sweden's Rosenberg on current monetary policy
In a speech on 'The current monetary policy situation' given on 29 January, Irma Rosenberg of the Sveriges Riksbank said that the information received so far since December does not appear to significantly alter the picture of a recovery in economic…
Wellink on prospects for the European economy
In a speech on 'Prospects for the European economy' given on 27 January, Nout Wellink of De Nederlandsche Bank said he was optimistic about the prospects for the European economy.
RBNZ prepared to constrain asset bubbles
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand revealed on Friday 30 January that in rare circumstance it is prepared to adjust monetary policy to constrain extreme asset price bubbles, whereas normally the Reserve Bank is only required to ensure consumer price…
RBNZ's Bollard on asset prices and monetary policy
In a speech on 'Asset prices and Monetary Policy' given on 30 January, Alan Bollard of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand said he would be willing to use monetary policy "to constrain extreme asset price bubbles," but that the current situation with housing…
Chavez presses Venezuela's cen bank on funds
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez repeated on Sunday 1 February demands that that the central bank complete its commitments to release reserves to finance the state revival of the nation's flagging farm industry.
Court rejects Bank of Israel's petition
The Bank of Israel suffered a setback on Sunday 1 February when the High Court of Justice refused to block treasury intervention in the central bank's wages policy.
Tanigaki says Japan could increase gold holdings
Japan's Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki said in response to a parliamentary question that Japan may consider increasing its gold reserves to bring them more into line with levels elsewhere.
Spain has 'very good' candidates to replace Solans
Spain can offer "very good candidates" to replace European Central Bank executive board member Eugenio Domingo Solans when his mandate ends on May 31, said Economy Minister Rodrigo Rato this week.
Trichet nose his skiing
Attending a summit in London this week ECB boss Jean-Claude Trichet stood out from the crowd with what was described as a large plaster on his nose.
Fazio could faces job loss in shake-up
The Italian Government is apparently seeking to vary the appointment terms of the Governor of the Bank of Italy, currently Antonio Fazio, in a move that would force him to step down.
Brash speech criticised by Maori MP
Former Reserve Bank of New Zealand governor Don Brash, now leader of the National Party, has been criticised by Georgina te Heuheu, the party's only Maori MP, for a speech she described as "Maori bashing".
Howard Dean calls Greenspan a political burden
US Democratic presidential contender Howard Dean said on Friday 23 January that Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan had become too political and should be replaced.
Kazakhstan appoints new central bank chief
Kazakhstan's parliament on Monday 26 January approved Anvar Saidenov, 43, as the new head of the former Soviet Republic's central bank.
RBA's Macfarlane awarded top Australia Day honour
Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia Ian Macfarlane was awarded Australia's highest honour this week in a list published each year on Australia Day.