News
BoJ poised to leave rates unchanged - report
The Bank of Japan is expected to keep interest rates unchanged next week in its final policy board meeting for 2006, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported Wednesday 13 December, without citing sources.
SNB raises interest rates by 25 basis points
Swiss National Bank (SNB) president Jean-Pierre Roth told a half-yearly press conference on Thursday 14 December the SNB will continue to pursue its strategy of gradual normalisation of monetary policy if the economy behaves as expected.
Bundesbank to cut another 800 jobs
The Bundesbank said Wednesday 13 December it is to cut an additional 800 jobs over the next six years.
Slovenia 'well prepared' for euro
Slovenia has entered the final phase of preparations for the launch of the euro on New Year's Day, and is ready for the switchover, a central bank official said Thursday 14 December.
Paulson calls on China for looser yuan
U.S. treasury secretary Henry Paulson, called on China to reduce currency controls and clamp down on software piracy in the first round of talks held Thursday 14 December.
Uganda cb optimistic on 2007 growth
The central bank of Uganda is positive about the projected 6% gross domestic product (GDP) growth is within reach next year The New Vision website reported Wednesday 13 December.
Polish president proposes surprise NBP candidate
Polish President Lech Kaczynski named economics professor Jan Sulmicki as his candidate for governor of the National Bank of Poland, the president's office said in a statement on Tuesday 13 December.
US Fed keeps benchmark rate unchanged
The U.S. Federal Reserve held key interest rates steady at 5.25 percent for a fourth straight meeting on Tuesday 12 December, while renewing a warning that risks from inflation remain.
Bank of France sees rebound in Q4
The French economy will bounce back in the last three months of 2006 after stalling in the third quarter, according to a Bank of France survey released on Wednesday 13 December.
'Still low' says Mersch on ECB rates
Luxembourg central bank governor Yves Mersch said Wednesday 13 December the European Central Bank's interest rates are "still low".
Norges Bank raises rates to 3.50%
The Norwegian central bank said Wednesday 13 December it has decided to raise the sight deposit rate to 3.50 pct from 3.25 pct, effective from Thursday.
Villepin wants clarification of ECB role
French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin called on Monday 12 December to "clarify the roles" of European Central Bank (ECB), amid talk regarding the recent high levels of the euro.
Israel's Fischer says rate cuts will be gradual
The governor of the Bank of Israel Stanley Fischer on Monday 11 December said he would reduce interest rates gradually because any "drastic" reduction would cause inflation to break the bank's target.
Poland's central bank chief named before Xmas
Polish minister Aleksander Szczyglo from the President's Office said Tuesday 12 December in a Polish radio report that the name of the new head of the central bank should be known by Christmas.
Murerwa denies fallout with Zimbabwe's Gono
Zimbabwe's finance minister dismissed rumours he is at odds with central bank governor Gideon Gono as the country's economic crisis deepens, reports said on Tuesday 12 December.
Two candidates for Slovenia's central bank chief
Two candidates have applied for the post of the governor of Banka Slovenije, Slovenia's central bank, President Janez Drnovsek's office told STA News.
Fed's FOMC likely to hold US interest rates
The US economy is in fairly good shape despite the flagging housing and auto industries, suggesting the Federal Reserve will leave US interest rates unchanged at its meeting Tuesday 12 December.
SBP's Akhtar warns speculators of punitive steps
The governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, Dr Shamshad Akhtar, announced on Sunday 10 December that while the SBP would not intervene to stabilise the rupee exchange rate, it would take punitive action against market speculators.
BoE to launch credit conditions survey
The Bank of England announced Monday 11 December it will launch a quarterly survey of credit conditions in the UK covering mortgage lending, unsecured lending to households and corporate lending.
Brian Lang retires from RBNZ
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand announced Monday 11 December that Brian Lang will be retiring from the Bank on 15 December. Lang joined the Bank in 1962 and has filled a wide range of senior positions.
Belgium's Quaden says don't panic on rate levels
Belgian National Bank governor Guy Quaden said Monday 11 December eurozone countries have no cause for alarm over interest rates and currency levels.
Oman not ready for single currency
Oman has confirmed it will not be joining the GCC currency union by 2010. The move presents a big setback for the proposed Gulf single currency.
China to look positively on Paulson talks
China promised on Monday 11 December to respond positively to the US in talks this week but said its exchange rate is a matter of national sovereignty.
SNB's Roth warns on appetite for risk
Swiss National Bank president Jean-Pierre Roth said Friday 8 December he does not feel comfortable with recent developments seen in global financial markets.