News
SARB to issue bi-metal R5 coin
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) launched a bi-metal R5 coin on 27 July. The new R5 coin will be in circulation from Monday, 2 August 2004. The coin has a bronze-coloured centre and a silver-coloured border.
Future rate level not 'pre-decided' :ECB's Quaden
The European Central Bank probably won't raise interest rates soon as it forecasts that inflation will ease next year, the Financial Times reported, citing ECB governing council member Guy Quaden in an interview.
OECD sees growth threat from eurozone deficits
The OECD warned on Tuesday 27 July in its latest survey of the eurozone that high deficits, such as those faced by France and Germany, are the eurozone's biggest economic problem.
Weber: German economy has 'turned the corner'
The German economy has performed better than expected in the second quarter, with GDP growth estimated at about 0.5 pct from the first quarter, when it grew 0.4 pct from the previous quarter, Bundesbank president Axel Weber said.
US growth to top 4% this year-Kansas Fed's Hoenig
The U.S. economy will most likely grow by more than 4 percent in 2004, stimulated by fiscal and monetary policy and the recovering global climate, Kansas City Federal Reserve President Thomas Hoenig said on Monday 26 July.
Should the Fed adopt IT?
Adopting IT (inflation targeting) is the key policy debate among the US Federal Reserve. The debate has been set alight by Ben Bernanke, a keen inflation targeter, joining the Board of Governors. To understand this key debate, CentralBankNet brings a…
International Journal of Central Banking
The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) on Monday 26 July announced plans to support the development of a new publication focused on central bank theory and practice and issued a call for research papers.
Reform of the Bank of England's operations
The Bank of England on 22 July announced the result of its review of its official operations in the sterling money markets. The Bank will initiate a new system based on averaging with voluntary reserves remunerated at the Bank's repo rate.
New security features for euro banknotes planned
A new series of euro banknotes with improved security features to combat forgery will be issued by the end of the decade, the Bundesbank board member responsible for banknotes, Franz-Christoph Zeitler, told Focus magazine.
Stark- EU not ready for single financial regulator
The European Union is not ready for a single financial regulator, according to a newspaper article by Bundesbank Vice President Juergen Stark.
PBOC to ensure 'soft landing'
China's central bank will maintain its cautious stance on further monetary policy moves to ensure that the nation's fast-growing economy enjoys a "soft landing," Monday's China Daily quoted a leading official as saying.
SARB's Mboweni reappointed for new term
Tito Mboweni, the South African Reserve Bank governor, says he will aim for lower inflation during his next term in office. Mboweni's contract was renewed for a further five years by President Thabo Mbeki on Friday 23 July.
Mboweni discusses his future with Mbeki
South African Reserve Bank governor Tito Mboweni is currently in discussions regarding his future at the SARB, a government spokesman said. Mboweni's current contract is due to expire at the end of next month.
Duisenberg plans visit to Kuala Lumpur
Former European Central Bank President Wim Duisenberg will visit Kuala Lumpur in September to deliver a talk on "The Euro and Asia", to be hosted by ABN AMRO Bank Bhd, the Malaysian Dutch Business Council (MDBC) and the Royal Netherlands Embassy, Bernama…
Bundesbank introduces new code of conduct
The Deutsche Bundesbank announced this week that it was introducing a code of conduct for members of its executive board. The new rules oblige the eight board members to hold office in a way that is "independent and avoids bias and personal gain."
RBA's McGauchie promoted at Telstra Corp
Donald McGauchie, an external board member of the Reserve Bank of Australia, has been promoted to chairman of Telstra Corp, Australia's largest phone company.
Miner finds $10m diamond in Guinea Republic
A miner in Guinea struck lucky this week when his shovel unearthed a 182-carat diamond estimated to be worth $10 million. The rock is now under armed guard in Guinea's central bank.
Summary of Bank of England's BCCI defence so far
The Bank of England started its defence in the BCCI case on Monday 19th July. After today (23 July), the Court will break until Monday 27 September. As the BCCI trial does not progress further until late September, here is a brief summary of what Nick…
ECB information on the counterfeiting of the euro
In the first half of 2004, a total of 307,223 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation, the European Central Bank (ECB) said on 22 July.
Bank of Russia to introduce new banknotes
The Russian central bank plans to introduce modified banknotes with the denominations of 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 rubles from 16 August, first deputy chairman Arnold Voilukov said at a press conference.
Slovak central bank opens tender for euro designs
The Slovak National Bank (NBS) has called for proposals for the symbols to be featured on the euro coins to be used in Slovakia once the country adopts the single European currency.
Bank of England's furniture goes under the hammer
The Bank of England raised £266,605 on Wednesday 21 july by auctioning antique furniture after the 310-year-old institution adopted an open-plan layout at its London headquarters.
Argentina raises 2004 economic growth prediction
The Argentinian central bank on Thursday 22 July revised its forecast on the country's GDP growth rate for 2004 from 6 to 8 percent. The bank also predicted that the inflation rate will stand at 6.7 percent and the unemployment rate will drop from 14.5…
Singapore's MAS likely to get new chief soon
Speculation is growing that the handover on 12 August of leadership in Singapore will lead to a change at the helm of the de facto central bank, the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Observers are split on two possible candidates to replace current…