Central Banking
Comment: Developments in March
March was an eventful month in central banking circles. The Bank of Japan put an end to its "quantitative easing" policy and attention now turns to the timing of its first interest rate increase.
Central Bank of Lesotho - Annual Report 2004
According to the Central Bank of Lesotho's Annual Report 2004, the Lesotho economy is estimated to have regained some growth momentum in 2004.
Singapore MAS may tighten further
Singapore's monetary policy may turn more aggressive in April to subdue growing inflationary pressures, according to this article published Friday 24 March. Some banks are adopting a hawkish view because recent increases in the consumer price index have…
As rates rise, Asia's risky markets get riskier
The appetite for riskier Asian assets is strong, according to this article published Thursday 23 March, but rising interest rates raise the chance of investors dumping some of these assets and if sentiment turns suddenly, local markets could be…
Danmarks Nationalbank, Monetary Review 1st Q 2006
The Danmarks Nationalbank's Monetary Review for the First Quarter 2006, published 29 March, reports that the economic upswing has continued at full speed in Denmark.
RBI's Reddy on financial sector reform
In the speech 'Financial sector reform and financial stability' given on 10 March YV Reddy of the Reserve Bank of India ruled out speeding up the pace of external financial sector liberalisation.
Fed's Bies on sound capital and risk management
In the speech 'Sound capital and risk management' given on 29 March Susan Schmidt Bies of the Federal Reserve said the Fed is committed to maintaining strong bank capital levels as institutions make the transition to standards under new Basel II capital…
Fed raises rates again
The Federal Open Market Committee decided Tuesday 28 March to raise its target for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to 4-3/4 percent.
Reforms to BoE's money markets operations
The Bank of England has announced that, subject to conducting a successful dress rehearsal, it is aiming to introduce the new reserve-averaging scheme and standing facilities on 18 May 2006.
New ECB premises project
As part of the preparations for the construction of the new ECB premises, the European Central Bank said on Tuesday 28 March that it has commissioned searches of the site.
Turkey's Basci keeps mouth zipped
As the uncertainty over the identity of the next central bank governor continues, Turkey's acting governor Erdem Basci declined to respond to reporters questions on the matter.
Comment: More of the same from Bernanke
The Fed completed its first monetary policy meeting under the chairmanship of Ben Bernanke on Tuesday 28 March. The 25 basis point increase - taking US rates to 4.75% - was a mere formality, but Fed watchers were preparing to pore over the accompanying…
ECB's Bini Smaghi: IMF risks becoming secretariat
European Central Bank (ECB) board member Lorenzo Bini Smaghi said the International Monetary Fund needs to give the ECB and eurozone stronger representation, according to an interview by the Financial Times.
Issing praises German deficit efforts
In an interview to be published Thursday 30 March European Central Bank chief economist Otmar Issing welcomed efforts by the German government to tackle the country's budget deficit.
Bank of Latvia - Annual Report 2004
According to the Bank of Latvia's Annual Report 2004, robust economic growth in Latvia was supported by strong domestic and rising foreign demand.
Interview with Malaysia's Zeti
In an interview published Thursday 23 March, Bank Negara Malaysia governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz said the BNM will intervene in foreign-exchange markets to moderate any major outflows, particularly if such moves don't reflect economic fundamentals.
RBA Financial Stability Review, March 2006
The Reserve Bank of Australia published the March 2006 edition of its Financial Stability Review on Tuesday 28 March. Recent developments have been largely favourable from a financial stability perspective, according to the latest Review.
New BOK governor
Lee Seung-tae, designated by President Roh as the Bank of Korea's new governor, inherits both great authority and formidable responsibility, according to this Opinion piece published on Sunday 26 March.
Fed introduces new kids' web page
The Federal Reserve Board on Monday launched a new kids' web page designed to educate middle school students about the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
IMF's Rato on Palocci's resignation
Rodrigo de Rato, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued a statement on Monday 27 March on the resignation of Brazilian Finance Minister Antonio Palocci.
BoE's King sees near-term rise in inflation
Speaking before the Treasury Select Committee on Tuesday 28 March, Bank of England governor Mervyn King said that CPI inflation will likely rise above the 2 pct target over the short term.
China currency reserves top Japan's - report
China overtook Japan to become the world's largest holder of foreign-exchange reserves, the state-owned China Business News said, citing unidentified sources.
Comment: 'Impasse' over CBK governor's position
A spokesperson for the Central Bank of Kenya has told CentralBankNews that the current wrangling between the central bank and the government has reached "an impasse". The governor of the central bank, Andrew Mullei, has been charged with four counts of…
Former Mizuho executive may join BoJ board
The Japanese government plans to appoint Tadao Noda, a former deputy president of Mizuho Financial Group Inc. (8411.TO), as a new member of the Bank of Japan's Policy Board, Kyodo News reported, citing government sources.