Central Banking
What role for inflation targeting?
ARTICLE - Former executive director of the Reserve Bank of India, A. Vasudevan, asks whether inflation targeting or multiple objective targeting should be of concern only to central banks. He argues that, generally speaking, monetary policy needs to be…
Australian interest rates to remain stable
The Reserve Bank of Australia's quarterly statement on monetary policy said the global economy had lost momentum in late 2002 and that had weakened the case for rate rises this year.
Bank of France pressed to close down branches
The Bank of France is considering a drastic overhaul of its extensive presence throughout the country, closing the bulk of its 211 branches. The sharp cutbacks in the bank's activities are proposed in a report handed in to Jean-Claude Trichet, the…
Egypt cb says forex market more stable
The governor of the Central Bank of Egypt Mahmud Abu-al-Uyun told bankers that, 10 days after the liberalization of foreign exchange, the forex market is becoming increasingly stable.
Dinkic best candidate to head Serbia's cb
Outgoing governor National Bank of Yugoslavia, Mladjan Dinkic, is seen to be the best candidate to head the new National Bank of Serbia.
Israel cb criticises govt over deficit dangers
Israel's central bank has criticised the government over its handling of the budget. The Bank of Israel said the Israeli government needed to make substantial cuts to the budget to reach its 2003 budget deficit target.
Venezuelan, Colombian cbs agree on payment system
Following meetings between central bank officials from Venezuela and Colombia, a system has been agreed which will control and guarantee payments for Colombian exports to Venezuela.
PBOC to enact anti-money-laundering regulations
The People's Bank of China will enact its first anti-money-laundering regulations next month as part of a crackdown on rampant crime and the illegal outflow of more than 200bn yuan (188.54 bn HK dollars) a year.
Philippines to revise inflation target downwards
The Philippines has set a 4 to 5 percent average inflation rate target for next year, slightly lower than this year's target of 4.5 to 5.5 percent.
Inflation-target sentiment seen growing inside Fed
ARTICLE - This article weighs up Federal Reserve policy-makers current positions on the issue of inflation targeting. The board appears split with governors putting the case for and against a target and Chairman Alan Greenspan coming down on the side of…
McTeer on making the case for markets
SPEECH - In the speech 'Problems Making the Case for the Market: Good Intentions or Good Results' Bob McTeer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas said he was happy to report that the evils of inflation are greatly diminished, and considerable progress…
BIS Press Release
PRESS RELEASE - Central banks to collect more in-depth statistics on banks' country risk exposures, 7 February.
Financial Services Policy Committee Press Release
PRESS RELEASE - Federal Reserve Banks Announce Changes to Increase EfficiencyIn Check Services as Check Volumes Decline Nationwide, 6 Feb.
Sveriges Riksbank Press Release
PRESS RELEASE - Repo rate left unchanged at 3.75 per cent, 7 February.
ECB Press Conference
PRESS CONFERENCE - In the question and answer session after the press conference Wim Duisenberg said that impediments to cutting rates at the current time included uncertainties relating to oil prices, geopolitical risk and that if the ECB were to cut at…
Swedish central bank warns on Iraq uncertainty
Sweden's central bank has warned that uncertainty surrounding a potential war with Iraq may take their toll on investment and economic growth throughout Western industrialised economies.
BCV director insists forex controls are essential
According to Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) director Domingo Maza Zavala, the foreign exchange controls implemented by the government Thursday are essential for control of the economy, particularly in such troubled times.
Fed plans to change its check operations
The Federal Reserve System moved Thursday to streamline its behind-the-scenes check-processing operations, citing Americans' increasing use of debit cards and other electronic payment options to pay bills. The move is likely to lead to several hundred…
'Strong euro won't harm EU growth'
European Central Bank President Wim Duisenberg said Thursday that the recent strong rise in the euro should not hit the competitiveness of goods made in the 12-country euro zone, nor harm the outlook for growth in the region.
Koizumi offers no clues on BOJ choice
Japan's prime minister Koizumi kept his cards close to his chest on the looming choice for next BOJ governor, reiterating in Parliament he wants an "aggressive deflation-fighter" and a "respected and excellent person."
Some inflation target fans at Fed despite ECB
ARTICLE - This article asks whether some Federal Reserve officials are pushing an idea that gets the European Central Bank nothing but grief? The idea in question is inflation targeting.
Is the Maestro a Hack?
ARTICLE - Paul Krugman, a much respected figure in the world of economics, says he yearns for the return of the "old" Alan Greenspan. Once noted for his stern lectures on disciplined tax policies Greenspan is now, Krugman argues, an apologist for a…
No easy euro-entry for the UK says EC official
Klaus Regling, director general for economic and financial affairs at the European Commission, said there would be no concessions for the UK to join the euro.
IMF role in Argentina to be investigated by panel
An International Monetary Fund panel will examine whether the IMF should have done more to prevent Argentina's economic collapse, the first time the independent board will review the fund's handling of a single country.