Central Banking
Interview with ECB's Gonzalez-Paramo
Jose Manuel Gonzalez-Paramo, member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank, gave an interview this week to Il Sole 24 Ore. In the interview he said the Greek case [where the deficit has clearly been larger than that reported] speaks for…
Philadelphia Fed announces promotion
The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia announced the promotion of John D. Ackley to Treasury Services Officer on Wednesday. Ackley was a manager in the Treasury Services Department.
Election to the Danmarks Nationalbank Board
The Board of Directors of Danmarks Nationalbank has elected Mr Niels Due Jensen, Group Chairman, to the Board of Directors of Danmarks Nationalbank, replacing Mr Bent le Fevre, General Manager, for the remainder of the term ending on 31 March 2009.
Bank of Canada Financial System Review, Dec 2004
The Bank of Canada published its semi-annual Financial System Review on 9 December. The report says continued strong global economic growth has reduced financial vulnerabilities in Canada and elsewhere. Higher oil prices have, however, raised questions…
'The Region' from the Minneapolis Fed, Dec 2004
The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis has published its regular magazine, The Region, for December 2004. In "The private and public risks of banking" Gary Stern warns that banking policy continues to shift too much risk taking onto the public. The…
Trichet on a stability-oriented monetary policy
In a speech on 'A stability-oriented monetary policy as a necessary condition for long term growth' given on 9 December, Jean-Claude Trichet of the ECB said uncertainty over the future of the stability and growth pact could mean higher long-term interest…
Bank of Mauritius - Annual Report 2004
The Bank of Mauritius has published its Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2004. The Mauritian economy registered a commendable performance during fiscal year 2003-04, according to the governor Rameswurlall Basant Roi in his statement.
Korea's fin min criticised for meddling in BOK
South Korea could face another financial crisis if the Finance Ministry continues to intervene in the country's interest rate policy and management of foreign reserves, a member of the central bank's policy committee warned on Friday 10 December.
Armenian president urges central bank to act
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan has called on the central bank to act "decisively and quickly" to prevent speculation in Armenia's financial market caused by fluctuations in the rate of the dollar against the national currency.
SAFE spokesman says China central bank 'sound'
The People's Bank of China is "in sound financial condition," as a result of its strategies and achievements in managing the country's foreign exchange reserves, according to a spokesman for China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE) on…
Gonzalez-Paramo: 'strong need' for price vigilance
Jose Gonzalez-Paramo, one of the European Central Bank's governors, said on Friday 10 December that in view of the recent surge in oil prices there is a "strong need for vigilance" over medium-term price risks.
Slovakia appoints new central bank governor
The Slovak parliament approved a new central bank governor Friday 10 December, confirming the government's nominee, Ivan Sramko, to the post.
Brazil's Senate approves central bank immunity law
Brazil's Senate has approved a law that gives central bank president Henrique Meirelles Cabinet-level status, giving him immunity from prosecution for crimes in all courts except the country's highest.
Hungary to publish Monetary Council minutes
On Monday 6 December the Monetary Council of the National Bank of Hungary decided, after a six month trial, to publish abridged minutes of its regular rate-setting meetings in future. This summary presents the arguments and experiences supporting the…
RBNZ Monetary Policy Statement, December 2004
Speaking at the release of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's December 2004 Monetary Policy Statement on Thursday 9 December, RBNZ Governor Alan Bollard said "As indicated in our October Review, we continue to expect that the current policy position will…
Sweden leaves repo rate unchanged at 2 per cent
At its meeting on Wednesday, 8 December, the Executive Board of the Sveriges Riksbank decided to leave the repo rate unchanged at 2 per cent.
ECB Monthly Bulletin, December 2004
The European Central Bank published its December 2004 Monthly Bulletin on Thursday 9 December, saying the outlook for inflation in the eurozone is "worrisome" after a 33 percent appreciation in the price of oil over the past year.
World Bank says Chinese economy not over-heating
Chief of the economics unit of the World Bank's Beijing office, Bert Hofman denied that the Chinese economy is overheating, saying that he expects 9.2 per cent to 9.3 per cent growth for China, "which is by and large a good thing."
Fed report: Banks and lenders can solicit business
The Federal Reserve said in a report published on Wednesday 8 December that consumers would suffer and pay higher prices if Congress curtailed the ability of banks and lenders to send them solicitations.
Taiwan central bank to establish TIBOR system
As part of its efforts to develop Taiwan into a regional financial centre, the Central Bank of China will move to revitalize the trading of various terms of interbank loans and establish Taipei Interbank Offered Rate (TIBOR), China Economic News Service…
Japan's Koizumi says rapid dollar fall unwelcome
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said on Thursday 9 December at a press conference that he does not welcome a rapid fall in the US dollar but is also against resorting too much to market intervention.
ECB's Tumpel-Gugerell on global view of euro
In a speech on 'The Euro - Financial strength and weakness from a global perspective' given on 6 December Gertrude Tumpel-Gugerell of the ECB said sharp moves in exchange rates are unwelcome because of their adverse impact on investment decisions.
Hong Kong's Yam on cb authority and transparency
In a speech on 'Central bank authority, accountability, transparency and effectiveness' given on 18 November, Joseph Yam of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority said there has been a shift in the approach to transparency in recent years, from a broad…
Sveriges Riksbank, Financial Stability Report 2:04
Sweden's central bank, the Sveriges Riksbank, published its second Financial Stability Report for 2004 on 2 December. Household sector indebtedness has continued to rise during the autumn. At the same time there are currently no indications that this…