Japan
Japanese rates on hold, strong growth won't last
The Bank of Japan opted to leave rates unchanged for the 14th straight month and said the recent surge in growth would prove short-lived.
Uncertainty clouds possible Muto appointment
Japan's ruling party have denied reports that they are set to nominate Toshiro Muto, a deputy governor at the Bank of Japan, to replace Toshihiko Fukui, the departing governor.
Japan's Nukaga scuppers sovereign fund plans
Fukushiro Nukaga, Japan's finance minister, said last Friday that the government was unlikely to set up a sovereign wealth fund because of the risks associated with such a move.
Fukui reviews Japanese monetary policy
Japan's economy is expected to continue expanding moderately, although for the time being the pace of growth is likely to slow because of sluggish housing investment, said Toshihiko Fukui, the central bank governor, paving the way for possible rate hikes.
Japan cut unlikely after Fukui comments
A slowdown in Japanese growth will not lead to a rate cut, Toshihiko Fukui, the governor of the Bank of Japan indicated on Friday.
Japan's hawk turns dove after building slump
Atsushi Mizuno, the only member of the Bank of Japan to consistently back a rate hike during the second half of last year, changed tack in December due to the poor performance of the construction sector, minutes from the monetary policy meeting reveal.
New SWF event to be held in London
Whether being portrayed as villains for their opacity and secrecy, or as saviours for shoring up the capital bases of some of the biggest investment banks, sovereign wealth funds have seldom been off the front page of late.
Japan's Nakamura unsure on housing recovery
The timing and degree of a recovery in the Japanese housing industry remain uncertain, said Seiji Nakamura, a member of the Bank of Japan's rate-setting board.
Japan keeps rates at 0.5%
The Bank of Japan's rate-setting board opted on Tuesday to hold rates at 0.5%.
Global stocks plummet on US recession fears
Shares in Asia and Europe plunged on Monday amid concern that a United States recession would hit global growth. The Toronto stock exchange was also down by more than 4% at midday trading.
Japanese business prepares for e-money surge
The number of payment devices for processing e-money transactions in Japan is set to almost double by 2010 as the payment method gains popularity with consumers.
Muto lists criteria for Bank of Japan decisions
The Bank of Japan should assess three phenomena when deciding on monetary policy, says Toshiro Muto, a deputy governor.
Fukui notes success of Franco-Japanese relations
Japan and France have established a particularly constructive relationship in many economic spheres, says Toshihiko Fukui, the governor of the Bank of Japan.
Japan's Iwata praises new communication strategy
The Bank of Japan's new communication policy framework has improved both transparency and flexibility, says Kazumasa Iwata, a deputy governor at the central bank.
Japanese board all back 0.5% rate hold
The Bank of Japan's rate-setting board voted unanimously in favour of keeping its benchmark uncollateralised overnight call rate at 0.5% on Thursday.
East Asian integration must be monitored: Fukui
East Asia's growing economic and financial integration must be closely monitored to avoid negative side effects, said Toshihiko Fukui, the governor of the Bank of Japan.
Officials praise central bankers' collaboration
Central bankers and politicians across the globe offered swift and unanimous approval for Wednesday's concerted effort to inject liquidity in a bid to counter dogged interbank tensions.
Joint effort failing to counter interbank tension
Interbank rates stayed high and markets plummeted on Thursday in spite of the collective action launched by five of the most powerful central banks on Wednesday.
Cooperation can't get to root cause of crunch
The central banks' coordinated attempt to bring interbank rates down may alleviate liquidity pressures, but not the mistrust the lies at the core of the crunch, says Avinash Persaud, the chairman of Intelligence Capital, a financial advisory firm.
UK and Japan react to house prices, but not Fed
The Bank of England's and the Bank of Japan's monetary policy responds to house price changes, but the Federal Reserve's does not, research by the Riksbank finds.
Japanese lawmakers want $100 billion SWF
Japanese politicians from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party want to start a $100 billion sovereign wealth fund in order to improve returns on foreign exchange reserves.
Japan must not be too late in hiking rates
The Bank of Japan needs to ensure that the pace of rate hikes in Japan is not too slow to risk the economy overheating, says Miyako Suda, a board member at the central bank.
No clear answer on when Japan will raise rates
Toshihiko Fukui, the governor of the Bank of Japan, emphasised on Monday that uncertainty still clouds the central bank's rate outlook.
Unanimity required in subprime response: Noyer
Central banks needed to act unanimously to provide liquidity in the wake of the subprime turmoil because of the globalisation of interbank markets, Christian Noyer, the governor of Banque de France said on Tuesday.