Opinion
Interview with Nobuyuki Nakahara
INTERVIEW - Currently an adviser to Japan's Financial Services Agency Nobuyuki Nakahara is a favourite to land the job of governor of the Bank of Japan in March. In the interview he said the introduction of a 1-3 per cent inflation target would serve as…
BOJ under pressure to target inflation
ARTICLE - As Hayami's term is about to come to an end speculation not only mounts as to his successor but whether the Bank of Japan should introduce an inflation target under the new leadership.
The folly of inflation targets
ARTICLE - This article says that the Bank of Japan should explain what it is intending to do to end deflation and that this will be the first step in defending its threatened independence.
The governor's performance hits a new low
ARTICLE - An article published in the Jerusalem Post on Tuesday criticised Bank of Israel governor David Klein for apparently laying the blame for Israel's 6.5 percent inflation rate on the government.
Extracts from an interview with Toshihiko Fukui
INTERVIEW - In an interview Toshihiko Fukui, a favourite to become the next governor of the Bank of Japan, says he has a great interest in inflation targeting. But if it was introduced it must be done in such a way as not to weaken discipline.
CentralBankNet Monday Special Feature
SPECIAL FEATURE - In this weeks special report CentralBankNet looks at a new survey of central banks. Latest trends in reserve management will be revealed in a book to be published later this week by Central Banking Publications. "How Countries Manage…
No way to run the world's biggest economy
ARTICLE - The article says that the US economy needs a sizeable short-term stimulus to prevent deflation. While the Federal Reserve has led the way, the chronic shortage of saving in the US has reduced policy options, including the possibility of tax…
Swiss revolt
ARTICLE - There is talk a Socialist (the first ever) might join the three-man team manning the Swiss National Bank, reported an article on Tuesday.
Interview - McKibbin backs old friend Takenaka
INTERVIEW - In an interview given Monday Reserve Bank of Australia board member Warwick McKibbin supported his 'old friend' Japanese Economics Minister Heizo Takenaka's campaign to unite the government and central bank to fight deflation.
A case for a Securities Exchange Commission
ARTICLE - This article says that to corporate governance buffs, the news that government is mulling the idea of setting up a Securities Exchange Commission in Zimbabwe is good news.
Germany has only itself to blame for its woes
ARTICLE - This article argues that one size always fits all in any monetary area, referring to the euro zone interest rate. And asks the question, Has the euro in any way aggravated the problem, compared with past monetary arrangements?
Japan nears crucial decision on new BOJ governor
ARTICLE - The Japanese government looks set to announce within days who will be the next governor of the central bank, one of the most crucial appointments it will make in its efforts to revive the struggling economy.
Making too much of the 'right' time
LETTER - A reply to the article 'Sweden can thrive without the euro' asks the question, How can countries such as Sweden, Denmark and the UK have a constructive role in Europe unless they fully participate in a Europe-wide economic system.
ECB Press Conference
PRESS CONFERENCE - Duisenberg confirmed that the recent appreciation of the euro constituted a monetary tightening which went someway to offsetting the half point interest rate cut late last year. He said the EC was right to start the excessive deficit…
ECB must act now
ARTICLE - The article says the ECB must continue to ease interest rates soon to further boost the flagging eurozone economy as the possibility of deflation in Germany is a greater danger than inflation.
Sweden can thrive without the euro
ARTICLE - After Sweden named the date for its euro referendum this article by a Swedish politician says that little enthusiasm exists across Europe for the euro and Swedes themselves are sceptical. It also claims that Britain would be striking a "blow…
The ECB and M3
LETTER - Letter published in the UK edition of the Financial Times on 6 January. The letter "Stubborn ECB does not deserve to be so badly misunderstood" follows an article regarding the ECB's supposed targeting of M3 levels.
Bank of Japan: Losing independence?
ARTICLE - This article looks at the recent initiatives by the Bank of Japan but says the BOJ's independence may be slipping as Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and members of his economic team want a greater say in BOJ policy-making.
CentralBankNet Monday Special Feature
SPECIAL FEATURE - In this weeks special feature, the last for this year, we look back at some of the important stories from 2002 and some you may have missed. From the introduction of euro notes and coins in January to the appointment of new central bank…
Bye bye, Buba
ARTICLE - This article says the ECB should scrap money supply targeting, its "first pillar" and reduce it to the role of an indicator. It also promotes a looser inflation target, with a change to a symmetrical rate perhaps as high as 3 per cent with 1…
Speculation rife on Hayami replacement
ARTICLE - A furor of speculation is blowing through Tokyo as Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi prepares to appoint a successor to BOJ Gov. Masaru Hayami, whose 5-year term expires in March.
Race for BOJ job heats up, private sector favoured
The article suggests that Nobuyuki Nakahara, a recent member of the Bank of Japan's policy board may be in line for the job of governor when Hayami steps down early next year. Nakahara was noted for favouring radical easing policies.
CentralBankNet Monday Special Feature
SPECIAL FEATURE - Mervyn King's appointment as governor of the Bank of England isn't the only change in leadership we have to report. Last week saw three new recruits ushered in to the top spots at the central banks of Brazil, Argentina and the Cleveland…
Howard's way needs to divide
ARTICLE - An article suggests it will be difficult to replace Sir Howard Davies as chairman of the FSA, and describes the UK regulatory authority as the most powerful regulator anywhere in the world.