News
BoJ's Fukui says economy expanding moderately
Bank of Japan governor Toshihiko Fukui reiterated Friday 12 January that the economy is still growing gradually and that he expects the recovery to continue.
Bank of Japan seen leaning toward raising rates
The Bank of Japan is leaning towards raising interest rates at next week's policy board meeting, with consumer spending remaining firm and worries of a US economic slowdown receding, the Nikkei reported Friday 12 January, without citing sources.
Trichet says 'very close monitoring' on price risk
European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet told a press conference on Thursday 11 January that the ECB will act in a "firm and timely manner" to ensure price stability but did not reintroduce a commitment to exercise "vigilance" on inflation…
Skrzypek named head of Poland's central bank
Poland's new central bank governor, Slawomir Skrzypek, a close ally of president Lech Kaczynski, was confirmed by parliament Wednesday 11 January. At a parliamentary hearing Skrzypek had earlier confused the deceased Wim Duisenberg with Jean-Claude…
Germany's Steinbrueck defends ECB independence
Germany said Thursday 11 January it would not put up with any change in the independence of the European Central Bank.
ECB chief defends central bank independence
Speaking at the press conference following a meeting of the ECB's governing council, ECB president Jean-Claude Trichet said that it was up to all European Union states to ensure independence of their central banks.
BoE surprises markets with rate rise
The Bank of England unexpectedly raised interest rates by a quarter-point on Thursday 11 January, the third increase since August, saying inflation may accelerate.
Gulf Arabs reviewing dollar pegs - report
Gulf Arab oil producers are reviewing currency pegs to the US dollar and could decide as early as March whether to keep or change their exchange rate regime, the United Arab Emirates central bank chief told Reuters Thursday 11 January.
BoJ's Hayakawa says economy still expanding
The Japanese economy is expanding moderately and inventory adjustment in the information technology sector appears to be temporary, a senior official of the Bank of Japan said Wednesday 10 January.
IMF says HK peg can withstand strong yuan
The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday 9 January gave its backing to the Hong Kong dollar's peg to the U.S. dollar, saying recent reforms meant the exchange rate could withstand Chinese yuan strength.
PBOC chief wants more data before decision
Chinese central bank governor Zhou Xiaochuan said on Wednesday 10 January in comments to Reuters he was waiting to see more economic data before making any decision to change interest rates.
Bank of Italy rules to facilitate mergers - report
New Bank of Italy regulations allowing banks to make greater use of hybrid instruments for capital reserve requirements could facilitate mergers in the banking sector, Il Sole 24 Ore said Wednesday 10 January.
Bank of Sudan's Hassan sees 2007 growth up
In an interview with Reuters on Wednesday 10 January, Sudan's central bank governor Sabir Mohamed Hassan said the currency's appreciation against the dollar was worrying and the central bank was considering taking measures to address it.
Bank Negara voted best central bank
Bank Negara Malaysia has been voted as the Best Central Bank in the Islamic Finance news 2006 Best Islamic Banks Poll.
Oman to keep 80% dollar reserves
Oman favours keeping most of its $5 billion of central bank reserves in dollars rather than euros because the US currency pays higher interest, the central bank governor was quoted by Reuters as saying.
China considering economic super agency
China's state media reported Tuesday 9 January the country will mull a new financial super inter-agency to manage its five trillion dollars held in the nation's various state-run financial institutions.
Zavala says BCV autonomy vital
Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) director Domingo Maza Zavala said in an interview he is certain that the institution needs to be autonomous in order to operate properly.
BOK targeting 2.5-3.5 percent inflation
The Bank of Korea aims to keep annual inflation between 2.5 percent and 3.5 percent for three years beginning this year, it said Monday 8 January.
Polish committee recommends Skrzypek to NBP
The Public Finances Committee of the Polish Parliament recommended Monday 8 January Slawomir Skrzypek to become the new head of the country's central bank.
Wall Street Systems announce new derivatives deal
Wall Street Systems, a provider of global treasury, trading and settlement services, has announced a new partnership with NumeriX, provider of cross-asset derivatives pricing and valuation software.
PBOC raises bank reserve requirement
The People's Bank of China said Friday 5 January it had raised the reserve requirement for commercial banks in a bid to stem a rising tide of liquidity in the banking system.
Adrian Orr to leave RBNZ
Reserve Bank of New Zealand deputy governor and head of financial stability Adrian Orr is leaving the Bank to take up the role of Chief Executive of the Guardians of the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, the RBNZ said Monday 8 January.
Trichet expects similar global growth this year
Global economic growth this year may well be close to that of 2006, European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet said Monday 8 January in Switzerland.
Canadian dollar fall 'unsurprising': Dodge
Bank of Canada governor David Dodge said the decline in the Canadian dollar reflects ``fundamentals,'' and isn't ``surprising'' in light of slowing economic growth and a decline in crude oil prices.