Central Banking
Parry on the prospects for the US economy
In a speechon 'Prospects for the National and Local Economies: A Monetary Policymaker's View' Robert Parry of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco said if it seemed appropriate, we still would have room to give a boost to the economy - even though…
Bank of Canada holds interest rates at 3.25%
Bank of Canada keeps target for the overnight rate at 3 1/4 per cent, 3 June.
Central Bank of Nigeria - Annual Report 2002
The Central Bank of Nigeria has published its Annual Report for the year ended 2002.
New BIS chief says banks weathering downturn well
In an interview with Reuters Malcolm Knight, who took over as general manager of the BIS in March, said though banks have suffered a combination of woes, including uncertainty over the Iraq war, market volatility and the economic downturn, "the overall…
Brazil's Meirelles says inflation 'stubborn'
Brazil's central bank governor Henrique Meirelles said in a Reuters interview on Monday 2 June that last year's collapse in the value of the real has left stubborn inflationary pressures with prices failing to adjust domestically after the fall in the…
"Myths surrounding a deflationary spiral"
An article published in the Financial Times argues that although some commentators think that the world economy is about to be devoured by deflation, in fact UK and Eurozone rates are currently at 3 and 1.9 per cent. Jacek Rostowski says that those…
ECB's Duisenberg says inflation receding
Speaking at the International Monetary Conference on Tuesday 3 June, Wim Duisenberg said inflation pressures had fallen back significantly in recent months and the pace of growth in Europe should pick up, according to a Reuters report.
Argentina c bank on track to target '04 inflation
The president of the central bank of Argentina has said the country should be ready to start inflation targeting in 2004, according to Reuters. Alfonso Prat Gay told a conference it would help Argentina to return to being a normal country.
Bulgaria's central bank launches RINGS system
The National Bank of Bulgaria put its new Real-time Interbank Gross Settlement System (RINGS) into effect on Tuesday 3 June, Novinite reports. It will make possible operations with payments in euros following Bulgaria's accession to the European monetary…
BMA maintains strict money laundering regulation
The Executive Director of Banking Supervision at the Bahrain Monetary Agency said the BMA will make a 'strategic priority' of implementing international best practice in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, according to a report by AME…
Bulgarian national bank chief to run for 2nd term
Svetoslav Gavriiski said on Tuesday 3 June that he intends to run for a second six-year term as governor of the National Bank of Bulgaria, according to a report from Novinite. Earlier in the day Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov praised the work of the…
Swiss central bank warns downturn could get worse
The chairman of the Swiss National Bank (SNB) has ruled out a sharp economic upswing in Switzerland in 2003, Swiss Info reports. Continued risks, Jean-Pierre Roth said, cannot be underestimated.
Fed's Greenspan sees signs of recovery
Speaking to the gathering of top central bankers in Berlin on Tuesday 3 June, Fed chairman Alan Greenspan said indications were that a "fairly marked turnaround" was on the way, according to a report by Assoiated Press.
IMF launches programme for West Africa
IMF Deputy Managing Director, Eduardo Aninat launched a programme designed to increase the capacity of African governments to conduct growth orientated, poverty reducing policies, according to a report by All Africa News. The launch was attended by…
RBNZ invests in Asian Bond Fund
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand today announced that it would be investing USD 25 million in the newly created EMEAP Bank of International Settlements Asian Bond Fund, 3 June.
EMEAP announcement on Asian Bond Fund
Joint announcement from the 11 EMEAP Central Banks on the launch of the Asian Bond Fund, 2 June.
Bank of Japan subscription to the Asian Bond Fund
The Bank of Japan has decided to subscribe to the Asian Bond Fund offered by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), 2 June.
Sveriges Riksbank, Financial Stability Report
Sweden's central bank, the Sveriges Riksbank, published its first Financial Stability Report for 2003 on 3 June. Since the last report economic prospects have been revised downwards for Sweden as well as for other countries of economic and financial…
Statement by IMF Mission on Euro Area Policies
In the concluding statement of the IMF Mission on Euro Area Policies released 28 May the IMF saw 'considerable scope for monetary easing' but recognised that monetary policy could only play a 'supportive' role in the resumption of Eurozone growth. The…
RBI defends certain coins as legal tender
The Reserve Bank of India made a statement following rumours that some coins had ceased to be legal tender, the Economic Times reports. Contrary to certain media reports, the central bank said, coins of 5, 10 and 20 paisa can still be used.
EU to lighten up on monetary policy requirements
Market watchers have suggested that the proposed narrow exchange rate band of 2.25% for ERM2 countries may be softened for Poland and other countries who fear it would be difficult to conduct fiscal policy under those conditions, according to a report in…
Bank Indonesia gov will monitor capital inflows
The recently appointed governor of Indonesia's central bank said that the bank will aim to maintain stability of the rupiah and will monitor capital inflows, according to Dow Jones.
ECB's Issing 'Deflation possible in Germany'
The ECB's chief economist Otmar Issing told Berliner Zeitung that the possibility of deflation in Germany cannot be excluded.
Malaysia plans Islamic licences for foreign banks
Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Zeti Akhtar Aziz said in a statement on Monday 2 June that following the faster-than-expected development of Islamic banking in Malaysia the bank plans to issue new Islamic banking licences to foreign banks, according to Dow…