Middle East
Syria adopts electronic payment system
Central bank says move will eventually aid country’s reintegration into global financial system
Anchoring expectations ‘critical’ in energy shock – BIS researchers
Most significant shock since the 90s Gulf crisis “may warrant hiking rates more quickly”
Central bank gold demand bounces back to record high
World Gold Council revision points to slowdown in central bank demand in first quarter of 2026
BoJ holds as yen and won both rise on suspected interventions
Japan’s central bank more hawkish than at previous meetings as it keeps rates at 1%
Bank of England keeps rates at 3.75%
Split 6–3 decision points to divisions over inflation outlook amid escalation of Iran war
Jordan leaves key rate unchanged for fourth consecutive meeting
Most sectors of domestic economy operating normally despite conflict in region, says IMF
UAE’s cash card could function as surveillance tech, expert says
Central bank says new scheme will operate within legal framework for customer privacy
Tajikistan keeps inflation on target after lowering band
Central bank reports 4.1% price growth in H1, 50bp higher than in first half of last year
Nine out of 10 Japanese people see prices rising
BoJ survey shows around half of respondents expect economic slowdown in a year’s time
BoE’s scenarios are best way forward, say ex-MPC members
Former UK policy-makers say forecasting approach is suited to today’s highly uncertain times
BoK hikes rates and signals further tightening
Bank announces first rise in more than three years as Shin says growth and inflation will remain elevated
Malaysia holds rates amid ‘fluid’ situation in Middle East
Central bank has kept benchmark rate at 2.75% for 12 months running
RBNZ tightens policy and expects more hikes to come
Central bank says inflation still above target
Israel continues easing cycle following US-Iran ceasefire
Improved inflation outlook and strong currency mean further cuts are likely, expert says
Central Bank of Syria opens new branches
Bank also says it will begin measures to end circulation of Turkish currency
People: New governors in Croatia and Iraq
Ante Žigman takes charge in Zagreb and Nizar Nasser Hussein takes over in Baghdad
BSP extends relief to lenders affected by Iran conflict
Central bank allows Filipino lenders to exclude losses on peso bonds caused by market volatility
Switzerland and Norway hold, Czech Republic and Moldova hike
SNB says inflation uptick is temporary, while CNB and Norges Bank highlight wage pressures
Philippines and Indonesia tighten by 25bp
BSP says inflation ‘strong’ as BI’s focus remains on rupiah
Riksbank holds, but keeps option to hike on the table
Updated forecast builds on assumption that oil supply will begin to normalise ‘in the near term’
BoJ tightens to 1% and plans end to JGB purchase reductions
Governor absent as bank sets policy at 31-year high amid inflation risks driven by Iran war