News
Fed nominee's life rooted in numbers
The background and upbringing of Federal Reserve nominee Ben Bernanke is detailed in depth in this article published this week. From his counting ability at aged 3, to his decision to study economics rather than majoring in English at Harvard. While…
Interview with ECB's Quaden
In an interview published on Tuesday 22 November, European Central Bank Governing Council member Guy Quaden said the ECB needs to tackle the problem of negative real interest rates in Europe, but this does not mean slamming the brakes on growth.
Interview with Richmond Fed's Lacker
In an interview published this week, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Jeffrey Lacker said that as far as he is concerned it is clear "we're not done removing accommodation," suggesting US interest rates have further to rise.
Interview with ECB's Trichet
In an interview published on Thursday 24 November, European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet said he doesn't foresee "repeated" rises in eurozone interest rates.
Plenderleith to retire from SARB
South African Reserve Bank deputy governor Ian Plenderleith will retire at the end of his three-year contract on 31 December 2005, an SARB spokesperson was quoted as saying this week.
President 'Arrovo' blunder prompts banknote recall
The Philippines central bank suffered embarrassment this week when it was noticed that 100 peso (US$1.80) bank notes had been issued with the surname of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo spelled "Arrovo," with a "v."
Bank of England's Lomax: 'dollar looks a good buy'
Bank of England deputy governor Rachel Lomax said on Thursday 24 November that the "dollar looks a good buy" because of interest rate differentials and other factors.
EU's Almunia sees gradual rise in euro area demand
European Monetary Affairs Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said on Thursday 24 November he expects a gradual rise in domestic demand to boost recovery in the European Union economy next year.
BoJ should not decide policy shift alone- Takenaka
The Bank of Japan alone should not decide on the timing of an end to its super-loose monetary policy, Kyodo News quoted Heizo Takenaka, Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications as saying.
EU Competition Commissioner backs Italy action
The EU competition commissioner said Friday 25 November that she would support plans to take legal action against the Bank of Italy.
Germany facing confidence crisis says Buba's Stark
Germany faces a crisis of confidence and its public finances are out of control, leading German central banker Juergen Stark said on Thursday 24 November.
Mervyn the weatherman
Does Mervyn King prefer isobars to interest rates? In an appearance before the Treasury Committee on Thursday 24 November, the governor of the Bank of England revealed his interest in one of the few professions which can compete with economists on the…
BoJ minutes show talk on best deflation gauge
The nine members of the Bank of Japan's policy board discussed whether the consumer price index is the best indicator to gauge an end to deflation, according to minutes of the meeting released Thursday 24 November.
BoE's Nickell sees UK interest rate freeze
The prospect of interest rates in the UK remaining unchanged over the coming months increased when a leading Bank of England official was quoted as saying no further changes are required.
ECB's Caruana expects moderate rate rise
European Central Bank Governing Council Member Jaime Caruana echoed comments from some other ECB officials on Thursday 24 November when he said he expects a "moderate" rise in eurozone interest rates.
EU plans Bank of Italy legal action
The European Commission will begin legal action against the Bank of Italy next month over its handling of recent bank mergers involving foreign bids, Internal Market Commissioner Charlie McCreevy said on Thursday 24 November.
Bank of England voted 9-0 to hold rates
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously for a third month in November to keep the benchmark interest rate unchanged, according to minutes released on Wednesday 23 November.
US rate outlook may change `before long'
Federal Reserve policy makers discussed the need ``before long'' to alter their outlook for U.S. interest rates, with some FOMC members concerned about the risk of raising it too much, minutes of their 1 November meeting showed.
Forex pegging may be counterproductive says Dodge
Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge said in previously private remarks to the Bank of France on November 4 that pegging a country's foreign exchange rate could hinder macroeconomic adjustment.
BoE's Barker sees improved consumer spending
Consumer spending should improve by the middle of 2006, Bank of England policymaker Kate Barker said on Tuesday 22 November.
China could use more yuan flexibility says IMF
The International Monetary Fund urged China to follow up the July reforms to its currency regime on Monday 21 November by allowing market forces to exert more influence on the value of the yuan.
Fukui says BOJ will decide policy shift alone
The Bank of Japan will take full responsibility in deciding when to end its ultra-easy monetary policy, while maintaining close contact with the government, BOJ Governor Toshihiko Fukui was quoted as saying on Wednesday 23 November.
Gonzalez Paramo calms mood after Trichet comments
European Central Bank board member Jose Manuel Gonzalez Paramo has sought to play down Jean-Claude Trichet's recent comments that an increase in Eurozone interest rates could come at its next meeting on 1 December.
Belgium's Quaden cautious on rates
Belgian National Bank governor Guy Quaden said that the economic situation in the eurozone is different from that of the US which has seen a lengthy series of interest rate increases.