Central Banking
ECB reorganises human resources
The European Central Bank announced on Tuesday 28 June that it would merge the Directorate Human Resources and the Directorate Planning and Controlling into a new Directorate.
Interview with ECB's Bini Smaghi
In an interview published this week European Central Bank Executive Board member Lorenzo Bini Smaghi said blaming the euro is like blaming the thermometer when you are ill. Proof that the euro is not the cause of the crisis is provided by the fact that…
Interview with ECB's Gonzalez-Paramo
In an interview published this week European Central Bank Executive Board member Jose Manuel Gonzalez-Paramo said the price of oil is the main risk weighing on the recovery. But the persistence of global imbalances is also a threat.
RBI names Rakesh Mohan as deputy governor
The Economic Affairs Secretary, Rakesh Mohan, has been appointed as a Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India and is likely to be in charge of the monetary policy department, an official was quoted as saying on Wednesday 29 June.
Interview with RBI's Reddy
In an interview published this week Reserve Bank of India governor Yaga Venugopal Reddy said there are continued uncertainties and fuel prices would be one of the topics for discussion at the RBI's next policy meeting in late July.
Federal Reserve raises interest rates to 3.25%
The Federal Open Market Committee decided to raise its target for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to 3-1/4 percent on Thursday 30 June. In its statement the FOMC maintained its "measured" stance and said that although energy prices have risen…
Sveriges Riksbank Economic Review 2nd Quarter 2005
The Sveriges Riksbank has published its Economic Review for the 2nd Quarter 2005. This year's second issue contains four articles: Thoughts on how to develop the Riksbank's monetary policy work; Basel II - the new framework for bank capital; Monetary…
Reserve Bank of New Zealand Bulletin, Jun 2005
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has published the June 2005 issue of its Bulletin. The first article of the Bulletin discusses the outcome of the recent review of New Zealand's 'silver' coinage, which will see the move to smaller and lighter 10, 20 and…
BOJ's Muto on the outlook for Japan's economy
In the speech 'The outlook for Japan's economy' given on 23 June, Toshiro Muto of the Bank of Japan said the central bank may see the possibility of ending a quantitative monetary policy easing in the year to March 2007, if things go smoothly.
ECB's Gonzalez-Paramo on monetary policy
In the speech 'The European Central Bank's monetary policy in an international context: principles and challenges' given on 23 June, Jose Manuel Gonzalez-Paramo of the ECB said there is no doubt in his mind that a monetary policy strategy based on a…
Interview with BSP's Tetangco
In an interview published on Friday July 1, Amando Tetangco, who takes over formally as governor of the Philippines central bank on Monday, said his move into the governor's seat won't result in major policy changes "because it's basically a continuation…
Tajik central bank chief's home robbed
The home of the governor of the central bank of Tajikistan was broken into late on Thursday 30 June by unknown assailants who killed one guard and stole cash and jewellery, Reuters reported.
EU's Almunia says Poland should join EMU soon
The EU Commissioner for Economic and Currency Affairs, Joaquin Almunia, has expressed hope that Poland will join the eurozone (EMU) as soon as it meets the fiscal requirements.
Indonesia sets up bank supervision board
The Lower House of Indonesia's Parliament Commission XI has set up a five-member supervisory board for the central bank which will be chaired by a former banker and banking legal expert Sutan Remy Sjahdenini, Bisnis Indonesia reported.
Korea launches reserve management agency
South Korea launched an independent agency Friday 1 July which will manage part of its foreign exchange reserves, seeking to boost investment returns.
US Senators delay China currency bill vote
U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Lindsey Graham have delayed a vote on their bill to impose tariffs on Chinese imports after Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and Treasury Secretary John Snow persuaded them China will make its exchange rate more…
Mexico's Ortiz confirms break with Fed rates
The monetary policy of the Bank of Mexico has been decoupled from the Federal Reserve's interest rates, central bank governor Guillermo Ortiz Martinez said.
PBOC meeting ends with stable yuan pledge
The People's Bank of China concluded the second quarter meeting of its policy advisory committee with a statement pledging to continue with exchange rate reform while maintaining the stability of the yuan at a 'balanced and reasonable level'.
The future of the International Monetary System
Is the international financial architecture debate over? Not according to leading experts gathered together in a new book which tries to identify the key trends that will fashion the international financial system in the years ahead.
Sweden to discontinue old notes and coins
The Sveriges Riksbank said on Wednesday 29 June that a number of old banknotes and coins to the value of almost SEK 5 billion will cease to be legal tender from 1 January 2006.
Statement by IMF MD Rodrigo de Rato on Argentina
Rodrigo de Rato, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued a statement on Wednesday regarding a new economic program with Argentina.
The politics of central bank independence
This New York Fed Staff Report proposes a theory to explain why, and under what circumstances, a politician endogenously gives up rent and delegates policy tasks to an independent agency.
Norges Bank Inflation Report, June 2005
Norway's central bank, Norges Bank, published its latest Inflation Report for June 2005 on Thursday 30 June. The Bank raised the sight deposit rate to 2% from 1.75% but conceded that recent developments such as weaker economic growth prospects for Europe…
Fischer says modern Bank of Israel law needed
Governor of the Bank of Israel Prof. Stanley Fischer said in a speech that the new law will establish a monetary committee and an administrative council to work together.