Central Banking
ECB's Trichet on European financial markets
In the speech 'The Eurosystem and the integration of European financial markets' given on 28 October, Jean-Claude Trichet of the ECB stressed that progress in European financial integration requires an effective interplay between market forces and action…
SARB's Mboweni on the South African economy
In a speech given on 25 October, Tito Mboweni of the South African Reserve Bank said the markets have been through some testing times, but we certainly have a come long way from the days of double digit inflation, and the rand being a one-way bet.
Chairman nominee may bring new openness to the Fed
If Ben Bernanke has his way, the Federal Reserve is likely to become more open, according to this article published on Tuesday 1 November. His approach could lead to big changes in how the Fed communicates, it says.
Japan's Yosano says stable long-term rate critical
Kaoru Yosano, Japan's newly appointed state minister for economic and fiscal policy, said that keeping long-term interest rates stable at low levels is vital to the success of fiscal and budget reforms.
PBOC to expand yuan settlement operations in HK
China's central bank will allow expanded yuan-denominated business in Hong Kong after technical preparations are completed, the People's Bank of China said on Tuesday 1 November.
'We will act' on inflation if needed says Trichet
The European Central Bank sees clear signs that inflation will rise in Europe, president Jean-Claude Trichet told Euro am Sonntag.
SADC economic integration timetable questioned
Southern Africa will be unable to realize its economic integration plans by 2012 if the current pace of implementation is not increased, a senior South African official warned on Monday 31 October.
Fed expected to raise rates again
The Federal Reserve was widely expected to raise US interest rates on Tuesday 1 November, as the American economy continues strong growth.
Comment: Inflation jitters discounted
Bond yields have been rising rapidly as a result of jitters that rising oil prices will lead to higher inflation than previously expected. Stephen Roach, chief economist at Morgan Stanley, argues that the bond market has got it wrong - the global economy…
ECB's Papademos on banking supervision
In the speech 'Banking supervision and financial stability in Europe' given on 28 October Lucas Papademos of the ECB said the ECB supports an 'evolutionary' approach to banking supervision, as opposed to a 'revolutionary' approach.
ECB's Issing on money's role in monetary policy
In the speech 'The role of money in the monetary policy strategy of the ECB' given on 28 October Otmar Issing of the ECB said the acceleration in eurozone M3 money supply growth seen over the past year is likely to increase inflation pressures in the…
Sweden's Heikensten: Monetary policy and academics
In the speech 'Monetary policy and the academics' given on 28 October Lars Heikensten of the Sveriges Riksbank said there is no doubt that the problems central bankers face and the practical experiences they gain also have been, and still are, an…
Buba's Remsperger on money in an uncertain world
In the speech 'Money in an uncertain world' given on 27 October Hermann Remsperger of the Deutsche Bundesbank said it is a fact that uncertainty will remain a key characteristic of monetary policy making.
Alan Greenspan gives Ben Bernanke some pointers
This article published on Monday 31 October carries a supposed conversation between Alan Greenspan and Ben Bernanke. It says that, according to press reports, Greenspan wanted Donald Kohn to head the Federal Reserve instead of Bernanke.
Bernanke's models, and their limits
This article published on Sunday 30 October asks what Ben Bernanke's academic work can tell us about the sort of Fed chairman he will make. He has written repeatedly about ways of using dauntingly complex mathematical models of the economy to set…
Russia, China set to sign banking agreement
The Russian central bank and the Chinese Banking Regulatory Commission are expected to sign an agreement during the visit of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov to China on 3-4 November.
Venezuela's Chavez plans $5 bn reserves spend
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said in a TV broadcast that he plans to take an additional $5 billion in reserves from the central bank next year in order to boost spending on various projects.
PBOC issues new rules on electronic payments
The People's Bank of China has issued new rules regarding electronic payments designed to minimize transaction risk.
Bank of Japan says end of deflation in sight
The Bank of Japan said on Monday 31 October that the seven-year period of deflation will end in the year to March 2006.
China forex reserves expected to hit $820 bn
China's foreign exchange reserves are expected to total $820 billion by the end of 2005 on strong trade inflows, an economist at a government think tank said.
Comment: Japan sees return to normal
Japan's monetary policymakers yesterday delivered another instalment of what is becoming an increasingly confident message: after seven years of deflation, they expect prices to start rising again early next year.
Bank of Israel lowers pay for new workers
The Bank of Israel will pay new workers 30 per cent less than current employees, under an agreement reached between the central bank, its workers union and the Finance Ministry.
Brazil central bank workers end month long strike
Brazil's central bank employees resumed work this week after a one month strike which delayed the release of important macroeconomic data.
Iceland's Oddsson waives pension rights
David Oddsson, former prime minister and new governor of the Central Bank of Iceland, has declined to take up a retirement pension for his 13 years as prime minister and one year as foreign minister.