News
ECB press conference with questions and answers
At the ECB's press conference on Thursday 5 February, after leaving eurozone interest rates on hold, Jean-Claude Trichet said he saw no need to amend the European Stability and Growth Pact and that the bank would not rush into any decision that impacted…
RBA holds rates unchanged
The Reserve Bank of Australia left interest rates unchanged on Wednesday 4 February, pausing after two increases in November and December.
Bulgaria plans to restrict central bank powers
Bulgaria's Parliament has passed amendments, at a first reading, to the state budget law concerning the powers of the governor of the Bulgarian National Bank.
Putin discusses Russian economy with Ignatiev
Russian central bank president Sergei Ignatiev has held a working meeting with president Vladimir Putin to discuss the economy and exchange rate situation.
Welteke: Strong euro 'an asset' and outlook good
Ernst Welteke told an audience in Frankfurt that the strong euro is allowing the ECB to keep interest rates low. The Bundesbank chief also said the economic prospects for the eurozone and Germany "are rather good" and urged Britain to join the euro.
Eurozone inflation sticks at 2.0% in January
Eurozone annual inflation in January is expected to remain at two per cent according to official estimates published by the European Commission.
OECD report worries on Japan deflation pressure
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) released a report on Tuesday 3 February on Japan suggesting that deflation remains a big problem despite the return to growth.
Bank of Canada unveils new $100 bank note
The Bank of Canada has unveiled Canada's new $100 bank note, which will go into circulation beginning 17 March. David Dodge said all Canadians can use the new notes "with comfort and with pride".
Nyberg on developments in the Swedish economy
Sveriges Riksbank Deputy Governor Lars Nyberg spoke to the Swedish Shareholders' Association last week. Nyberg said that although the dollar has weakened due to developments in the US trade and budget deficits it was generally considered to be have been…
Court told Bank knew BCCI's 'dubious reputation'
The High Court in London was told on Monday 2 February that the Bank of England was aware that the collapsed Bank of Credit and Commerce International had an "appalling reputation" and that other banks "wouldn't touch BCCI with a barge-pole" before…
Italy's cabinet approves regulatory reform bill
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's cabinet approved a draft law on Tuesday 3 February to reform Italy's financial regulatory system, effectively leaving the Bank of Italy with a veto over banking mergers.
Strong euro does not require rate cut - Buba
According to Hermann Remsperger, the Bundesbank's chief economist, the ECB does not need to cut eurozone interest rates to stimulate domestic demand. The ECB's rate-setting Governing Council is due to meet on Thursday 5 February.
Forex reserves hit record high in South Korea
South Korea's foreign exchange reserves hit a record high in January, helped by the government's continued dollar buying.
PBOC offers huge reward to Olympic coin designer
The People's Bank of China announced on Tuesday 3 february that it will pay up to 1.5 million yuan (US$181,378) for winning commemorative coin designs for the 2008 Olympic Games.
Central banks in the dock: lessons from BCCI
As the Bank of England begins its marathon court case over its handling of the failure of BCCI, CentralBankNet spoke to Charles Proctor about the lessons for other regulators.
RBNZ prepared to constrain asset bubbles
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand revealed on Friday 30 January that in rare circumstance it is prepared to adjust monetary policy to constrain extreme asset price bubbles, whereas normally the Reserve Bank is only required to ensure consumer price…
Authorities considering independence for HKMA
Financial secretary Henry Tang has introduced the possibility that the Hong Kong Monetary Authority could gain full independence.
Chavez presses Venezuela's cen bank on funds
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez repeated on Sunday 1 February demands that that the central bank complete its commitments to release reserves to finance the state revival of the nation's flagging farm industry.
Court rejects Bank of Israel's petition
The Bank of Israel suffered a setback on Sunday 1 February when the High Court of Justice refused to block treasury intervention in the central bank's wages policy.
Banking foundation considers Bank of Italy stake
Italy's leading banking foundation could consider taking a stake in the Bank of Italy, according to Giuseppe Guzzetti, chairman of the Cariplo foundation.
Tanigaki says Japan could increase gold holdings
Japan's Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki said in response to a parliamentary question that Japan may consider increasing its gold reserves to bring them more into line with levels elsewhere.
Spain has 'very good' candidates to replace Solans
Spain can offer "very good candidates" to replace European Central Bank executive board member Eugenio Domingo Solans when his mandate ends on May 31, said Economy Minister Rodrigo Rato this week.
Trichet nose his skiing
Attending a summit in London this week ECB boss Jean-Claude Trichet stood out from the crowd with what was described as a large plaster on his nose.
Fazio could faces job loss in shake-up
The Italian Government is apparently seeking to vary the appointment terms of the Governor of the Bank of Italy, currently Antonio Fazio, in a move that would force him to step down.