News
Chicago Fed National Activity Index, Oct 2004
The Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI) for October 2004 was published on 23 November. The CFNAI was +0.52 in October, up sharply from -0.04 in September. For the first time since March, all four of the broad categories of indicators that…
BoJ monetary policy meeting minutes12/13 October
The Bank of Japan released the minutes from its 12 and 13 October Monetary Policy meeting on 24 November. The minutes indicated that one member urged the central bank to get prepared to shift from the present monetary policy framework of quantitative…
IMF praises Armenian central bank's tough policy
The IMF accepts and completely supports the tough monetary and credit policy of the Armenian central bank to contain inflation rate in the country, James McHugh, the IMF's resident representative in Armenia, has told Arminfo news agency.
Japan's deflation may not end in 2005 says Haru
Bank of Japan policy maker Hidehiko Haru said on Thursday 25 November that Japan's deflation may not end in the fiscal year that starts April 1, 2005, possibly forcing the Bank of Japan to maintain its zero-rate policy the following year and beyond.
Hungary's Jarai sceptical of 2010 euro accession
The president of the Hungarian central bank, Zsigmond Jarai, said on Thursday 25 November that a persistently high public deficit could ruin Hungary's chances of joining the eurozone by 2010.
NBP chief: GDP depends on passing of reform bill
Poland's long-term economic growth depends on passing legislation that can effectively reform the country's public finances instead of blocking initiatives, which could widen the government budget deficit, National Bank of Poland Governor Leszek…
ECB cannot react to short-term impacts says Issing
European Central Bank chief economist Otmar Issing said in a speech in Berlin on Thursday 25 November that the ECB cannot change interest rates in response to the short-term impact of external developments, such as this year's sharp rise in oil prices.
Jusko says Slovak crown can't firm indefinitely
Though Slovakia's central bank, the National Bank of Slovakia (NBS), is satisfied with Slovakia's economic development, it will not let the local crown firm indefinitely, NBS governor Marian Jusko told the news agency TASR.
Brazil central bank denies govt buying dollars
Afonso Bevilaqua, economic policy director at Brazil's central bank, denied that the treasury is seeking to stem the rise of the Brazilian real by buying dollars on the spot market, official news agency Agencia Brasil reported.
Hungary approves Central Bank Act changes
The Hungarian parliament has approved modifications to the Central Bank Act that raise the maximum number of Monetary Council members to 11 and afford the prime minister a bigger say in nominating members of the Council, Interfax-Europe reported.
Polish central bank leaves rates unchanged
The National Bank of Poland said on Wednesday 24 November that it had left key interest rates unchanged at its monetary policy meeting.
ECB says eurozone banks have reduced USD holdings
Euro zone banks appear to have reduced their holdings of US dollar-denominated assets in the first half of 2004, the European Central Bank said in a report on EU banking sector stability.
Central Bank of Liberia launches website
The Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) has launched its website, according to a CBL release issued at the weekend.
Reserve Bank of Fiji to implement HiPortfolio/3
DST International (DSTi) - a leader in business solutions for the investment management industry and business process management - confirmed on Tuesday 23 November that the Reserve Bank of Fiji plans to implement the company's flagship back-office…
PBOC deputy says US should not blame others
A senior official with the People's Bank of China has warned the United States not to blame other countries for its own economic difficulties, a report said.
ECB already doing enough for growth-Weber
Bundesbank president Axel Weber told journalists Monday that the European Central Bank is doing "all it can" to support eurozone growth.
Russian central bank hints on euro reserves boost
The euro rose to its sixth record this month against the dollar after first deputy chairman of the Russian Central Bank Alexei Ulyukaev said on Tuesday 23 November that the bank might increase the share of the euro in its reserves.
Bank of Japan Monthly Report, November 2004
The Bank of Japan released the English version of its November 2004 monthly report on 22 November. In the report the BOJ downgraded its assessment of exports and production in its report but maintained its overall view that the country's economy was on…
Debt restructuring code adopted by G20
German Finance Minister Hans Eichel confirmed on Sunday 21 November that the G20, excluding Argentina, had adopted a set of rules on sovereign debt restructuring in Berlin at the G20's annual meeting.
Bank of France to sell some gold reserves
The French Finance Ministry said in a statement on Friday 19 November that discussions on the sale of a portion of France's gold reserves have been finalised with the Bank of France.
BMA dep gov: Monetary policy key to currency union
Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) Deputy Governor Khalid Al Bassam said a strong monetary policy will be even more important for the region with the introduction of a common GCC currency.
PBOC's Zhou says fx liberalisation not ready
People's Bank of China Governor Zhou Xiaochuan told reporters on Saturday November 20 that China is not ready yet to liberalise its exchange rate.
Buba warns 'substantial risk' of deficit breach
The Bundesbank warned on Monday 22 November that Germany risks breaking the EU's tight budget rules again next year, even if it insists it will be able to meet its deficit commitments in 2005. In its November monthly report the German central bank said…
Bahrain establishes new money laundering taskforce
Bahrain is establishing a new taskforce to combat money laundering and terrorist financing across the region. The Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) will be set up on November 29 and 30 in a meeting to be held behind…