News
China probes bank loans in stock markets - paper
China's central bank has launched a probe into domestic banks which might have lent money for stock speculation, state media said on Mar 12, 2001.
BoF forecast Finnish inflation above euro-zone avg
Finnish inflation would stay above euro-zone levels and buoyant domestic demand could feed price pressures though the overall inflation outlook had improved, the central bank said on Mar 12, 2001.
Reynders says he not pushing for a 'Mr Euro'
Belgian Finance Minister Didier Reynders said on Mar 12, 2001 he was not pushing to create a "Mr or Mrs Euro" to speak for the common currency and that controversal reform of the Eurogroup had been put on hold.
New and improved BIS website is launched
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) announced on Mar 12, 2001 that its redesigned and improved website is now available at www.bis.org.
Korea foreign currency transactions surged in 2000
Foreign exchange transactions by domestic financial institutions, including spot and futures markets, increased sharply in 2000 to $8.9 billion a day, up from $6.9 billion in 1999, the Bank of Korea said on Mar 11, 2001.
Argentine peso peg to include euro,yen-Cavallo
Former Argentine Economy Minister Domingo Cavallo, who reportedly has been offered the job of central bank chief, said in a press interview he favored alterations to foreign exchange policy.
Philippines to improve transparency of cbank
The Philippine government will take measures to further improve transparency and accountability of monetary authorities, according to a news release from the presidential palace on Mar 10, 2001.
China seeks HK expert to join central bank
China's Premier Zhu Rongji is seeking a Hong Kong banker to become a deputy governor of the country's central bank, a move which analysts say shows Beijing is serious about beefing up its regulatory control of the banking sector.
Central banks key to financial stability-BOI, BOF
The internationalisation of institutions and financial activities has heightened the importance of national central banks in ensuring financial stability, the governors of the Bank of Italy and Bank of France said in separate speeches on Mar 9.
Norway government petroleum fund 2000 return 2.5%
Norway's government petroleum fund had a return on capital last year of 2.5%, when measured in terms of a currency basket that corresponds with the Fund's benchmark portfolio, the Norwegian central bank reported on Mar 9.
Asian currency swap idea 'acceptable'-Manila c.bnk
The Philippines is basically happy with the concept of an Asian web of currency swaps aimed at fending off future financial crises and is forging ahead with discussions on terms, deputy central bank governor Amando Tetangco said on Mar 9, 2001.
Fed's Ferguson-monetary policy unhurt by mergers
A global wave of financial mergers and acquisitions in the 1990s, totaling 7,500 deals valued at about $1.6 trillion, has not affected central banks' ability to set interest rates, Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Roger Ferguson said Mar 9, 2001.
Vietnam cbank launches electronic payment system
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has completed the technical side of its US$13.2 million inter-bank payment project funded by the World Bank-funded, SBV Governor Le Duc Thuy announced.
Finnish cbank transfers 129m euros to govt
The Bank of Finland has transferred 42% of its 309m euros profit to the government, the first time the bank has had to pay money to the state since 1984.
India's Jalan says bias to cut rates remains
The governor of India's central bank, which cut interest rates twice in recent weeks, said he continues to have a bias toward easing rates.
New Somali central bank governor sworn in
Mahmud Muhammad Ulusow has been sworn in as the new head of the Central Bank of Somalia.
Euro entry means democracy deficit-Swedish cbanker
Swedes would be less able to call the people who decide their monetary policy to account if the country joined the EU's single currency, the deputy governor of the country's central bank said on Mar 8, 2001.
No plan to drive yen lower, Hayami says
Bank of Japan Governor Masaru Hayami said on Mar 8, 2001 he was alert to the risk of a vicious deflationary cycle but firmly denied that he wanted to push the yen lower to induce inflation.
BOI Desario-Mergers not the only way to efficiency
The Bank of Italy director general Vincenzo Desario said Mar 8, 2001 that bank mergers were not the only way to achieve efficiency and competitiveness in the banking system.
Bank of Greece to up 2000 dividend
Bank of Greece, the country's central bank, said on Mar 8 that net profit in fiscal 2000 rose 52 percent to 167.2 billion drachmas ($457 million) versus 110.1 billion in 1999.
Bank of England holds rates at 5.75% for now
The Bank of England left its key interest rate steady at 5.75 percent on Mar 8, declining to cut rates despite a deteriorating global economic outlook.
Hungary Jarai-wider euro/forint band in 12-18 mos
The Hungarian forint's trading band could be widened in 12 to 18 months, recently appointed central bank governor Zsigmond Jarai told business daily Vilaggazdasag in an interview published Mar 8, 2001.
China shareholding banks must reform further-PBOC
Shareholding commercial banks must be encouraged to further improve their corporate management structure and financial services to develop in a sound, steady way, said the governor of the People's Bank of China.
RBA appoints Frank Campbell as assistant governor
The Reserve Bank of Australia has announced the appointment of Frank Campbell to the post of Assistant Governor, Corporate Services department.