News
Canada maintains inflation target for next 5 years
The Bank of Canada renewed its inflation target of 2%, measured as the change in the core consumer price index, with a symmetrical band of 1% either side, for the next five years.
Turkish rates stable despite high inflation
The Turkish central bank announced on 23 November that it will keep its policy rate unchanged at 17.5% and the lending rate at 22.5% after its penultimate monetary policy committee meeting for 2006.
Euro entry unpredictable - Hungarian CB chief
The National Bank of Hungary believes it is no longer possible to say when the country will be ready to join the euro.
SA's Trevor Manuel to lead G20
South Africa's veteran finance minister, Trevor Manuel, has called on the group of 20 (G20) finance ministers and central bank governors to "build windmills in the calm of current global financial stability."
SWIFT broke laws - EU committee
SWIFT, an international financial data transfer agency, breached European data privacy laws in handing over personal data to American investigators, according to a report by a European Union committee.
Korea raises reserve ratios
Korea's central bank will raise reserve requirements on short-term deposits by 40% next month, the governor, Lee Seong-tae, announced on Thursday.
Sri Lanka could grow at 8% in 2007
Sri Lanka's economy could grow at 8% in 2007 if the violence and security concerns in the country are reduced, the central bank governor said in an interview.
UK's Lomax a surprise dissenter in rate decision
Rachel Lomax, a deputy governor at the Bank of England, was a surprise dissenter at the rate-setting meeting in November, minutes released on Tuesday showed.
PBOC establishes South Pacific office in Sydney
The People's Bank of China (PBOC) announced the establishment of its representative office for the South Pacific in Sydney. The office started operation on November 19, 2006.
BoJ cautiously optimistic on economic prospects
The Bank of Japan released a statement by Toshihiko Fukui, the governor of the central bank, on 22 November indicating moderated optimism about the country's economic prospects.
Norwegian Pension Fund biggest in Europe
Norway's central bank announced on 21 November the Government Pension Fund, now valued at 207 billion Nkr ($32.5 billion) and managed by the Norges Bank, is now the largest pension fund in Europe.
Muto says BoJ to raise rates when needed - report
The Bank of Japan would carry out an additional interest rate hike once it confirms a need to act, BoJ deputy governor Toshiro Muto said in an interview with Jiji Press published Tuesday 21 November.
Fisher comfortable with current Fed policy
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas president Richard Fisher said on Monday 20 November he was happy with the current policy stance of the U.S. central bank.
E. Asia-Pacific & Eurozone cb seminar
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand and the European Central Bank jointly organised the 3rd High-Level Seminar of Central Banks in the East Asia-Pacific Region and the Euro Area on Tuesday 21 November.
Slovenia cb to retain role after joining euro
Mitja Gaspari, governor of the Slovenian central bank, has said that, contrary to prevailing opinion, the institution will remain important after Slovenia's euro switchover on 1 January 2007.
Mohan says RBI to focus on price stability
The Reserve Bank of India said on Tuesday 21 November it would lay emphasis on price stability so that there is possibility of lower interest rates in the medium term.
Japan's economy to keep growing - minutes
The Bank of Japan reiterated plans to raise interest rates ``gradually,'' keeping pace with inflation and growth in the world's second-largest economy, minutes of a policy board meeting held last month showed Tuesday 21 November.
Serbia concerned on central bank independence
The governor of the National Bank of Serbia (NBS) has expressed concern that the independence of the central bank has been 'seriously compromised,' according to a report by the Financial Times on Monday 20 November.
Hungary's Jarai calls for new euro plan
A new convergence program is needed for Hungary to be ready to join the eurozone in 2011, Hungary's central bank Governor Zsigmond Jarai said on Thursday 16 November.
Trichet positive on global growth but sees risks
European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet said Monday 20 November that the global economy is set for dynamic growth in 2007 but central bankers must remain vigilant as oil prices still threaten to stoke inflation.
PBOC's Wu may head futures exchange - report
People's Bank of China vice governor Wu Xiaoling may head the country's financial futures exchange in Shanghai starting next year, the Economic Observer reported Monday 20 November, citing unnamed insiders.
BOJ chief sees risk assessed rate rises
The Bank of Japan will adjust interest rates gradually while ensuring its policy actions remain supportive of the domestic economy and that growth remains sustainable, BOJ governor Toshihiko Fukui said Sunday 19 November.
ECB wants more clarity on Sepa for cards
The European Central Bank said Monday 20 November it has laid down a new set of objectives for payment card schemes to achieve in order to become Sepa-compliant, amid concerns that current provisions would lead to higher prices and a deterioration in…
BoE's Gieve says hedge funds pose stability risks
Bank of England deputy governor John Gieve has warned that hedge fund activity does pose short term risks to financial stability.