Central Banking
Korea raises reserve ratios
Korea's central bank will raise reserve requirements on short-term deposits by 40% next month, the governor, Lee Seong-tae, announced on Thursday.
Sri Lanka could grow at 8% in 2007
Sri Lanka's economy could grow at 8% in 2007 if the violence and security concerns in the country are reduced, the central bank governor said in an interview.
UK's Lomax a surprise dissenter in rate decision
Rachel Lomax, a deputy governor at the Bank of England, was a surprise dissenter at the rate-setting meeting in November, minutes released on Tuesday showed.
PBOC establishes South Pacific office in Sydney
The People's Bank of China (PBOC) announced the establishment of its representative office for the South Pacific in Sydney. The office started operation on November 19, 2006.
BoJ cautiously optimistic on economic prospects
The Bank of Japan released a statement by Toshihiko Fukui, the governor of the central bank, on 22 November indicating moderated optimism about the country's economic prospects.
Norwegian Pension Fund biggest in Europe
Norway's central bank announced on 21 November the Government Pension Fund, now valued at 207 billion Nkr ($32.5 billion) and managed by the Norges Bank, is now the largest pension fund in Europe.
Europe's new large-value payment system on target
Europe's new large-value payment system is on schedule to go live in 2007 says the European Central Bank in its third annual report on TARGET2.
Pursuing financial stability - RBI speech
In the speech 'Central Banks and Risk Management: Pursuing Financial Stability' given on 21 November, Rakesh Mohan, deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India discusses various aspects of central banks' role in the pursuit of financial stability.
Unplanned system trumps Bretton Woods - paper
According to this new NBER working paper by Andrew Rose, the current international monetary system of independent central banks targeting domestic inflation is more stable than the post-war Bretton Woods system of fixed exchange rates.
European reforms of global importance - de Rato
In this speech the International Monetary Fund's managing director, Rodrigo de Rato, suggests that deregulation and financial sector reform in Europe will benefit the continent's economy, and contribute to resolving tensions and potential global problems.
How independent should a central bank be?
According to this article by William Keegan at The Observer, published Tuesday 21 November, as Prime Minister, Gordon Brown wouldn't dare to tamper seriously with the system at the Bank of England for which he has received so much praise.
ECB's Stark on challenges of euro area enlargement
In the speech 'Economic and monetary challenges of euro area enlargement' given on 20 November Jurgen Stark of the ECB said it is crucial that central banks have full independence in the new EU member states, in practice as well as in theory.
Chicago Fed National Activity Index, October 2006
The Chicago Fed National Activity Index for October 2006, published 21 November, was -0.31 in October, slightly up from -0.38 in September. All of the four broad categories of indicators made negative contributions to the index.
Warsh on financial markets and the Federal Reserve
In the speech 'Financial markets and the Federal Reserve' given on 21 November Kevin Warsh of the Federal Reserve said the U.S. economy is still at risk of higher inflation, although market signals point to a gradual receding of price gains.
Buba's Fabritius on the new TARGET2 system
In the speech 'The new TARGET2 system and recent developments in European securities settlement' given on 15 November Hans Georg Fabritius of the Bundesbank said we will only be able to realise TARGET2 Securities with the active involvement and…
Mboweni on the National Payments System in SA
In a speech given on 15 November Tito Mboweni of the South African Reserve Bank said collaboration between the Bank and the banking industry has resulted in the South African Payment System being recognised as an example or model for development…
Muto says BoJ to raise rates when needed - report
The Bank of Japan would carry out an additional interest rate hike once it confirms a need to act, BoJ deputy governor Toshiro Muto said in an interview with Jiji Press published Tuesday 21 November.
Fisher comfortable with current Fed policy
Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas president Richard Fisher said on Monday 20 November he was happy with the current policy stance of the U.S. central bank.
E. Asia-Pacific & Eurozone cb seminar
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand and the European Central Bank jointly organised the 3rd High-Level Seminar of Central Banks in the East Asia-Pacific Region and the Euro Area on Tuesday 21 November.
Slovenia cb to retain role after joining euro
Mitja Gaspari, governor of the Slovenian central bank, has said that, contrary to prevailing opinion, the institution will remain important after Slovenia's euro switchover on 1 January 2007.
Mohan says RBI to focus on price stability
The Reserve Bank of India said on Tuesday 21 November it would lay emphasis on price stability so that there is possibility of lower interest rates in the medium term.
Japan's economy to keep growing - minutes
The Bank of Japan reiterated plans to raise interest rates ``gradually,'' keeping pace with inflation and growth in the world's second-largest economy, minutes of a policy board meeting held last month showed Tuesday 21 November.
Bond curve inversion no longer signals recession
According to this article from Reuters, published Thursday 16 November, the inverted yield curve is no longer seen as an accurate predictor of slowing growth or recession ahead.
Bank of Japan Monthly Report, November 2006
The Bank of Japan published the English version of its November 2006 monthly report on Monday 20 November. In the report the BOJ said the Japanese economy is growing moderately.