Central Banking
ECB on foreign exchange market, 5 Mar
PRESS RELEASE - Publication of a review of the foreign exchange market structure, 5 March. Analysis of the structure of the foreign exchange market.
Trichet favours Bank of France re-organisation
A report says Jean-Claude Trichet favours a re-organisation of the Bank of France by departments, as opposed to regions.
Canada's gold reserves fell last month
Canada's finance department revealed on Wednesday that it had sold part of its gold holding, with the proceeds to be used for buying other foreign currency securities.
Kenya's ex-central bank chief hits back at critics
On Wednesday CentralBankNet reported the resignation, and prompt replacement, of Kenyan central bank chief Nahashon Nyagah over the Euro Bank affair. Now a report quotes Nyagah as denouncing what he called, the "orchestrated" campaign to oust him.
Russia's gold and for ex reserves continue to rise
Russia's central bank has announced increased reserves of 0.8% for gold and foreign exchange. This represents a new record.
Danes lower rates
PRESS RELEASE - Interest rate reduction, 6 March. The Danish central bank lowered its key interest rate 0.25% in response to the ECB's cut.
New Zealand holds rates
PRESS RELEASE - The Reserve Bank has decided to leave the Official Cash Rate at 5.75 per cent, 6 March.
Taiwan's forex reserve hits another record high
The Central Bank of China's monthly report showed an increase in foreign exchange reserves in February taking Taiwan's reserves to a record high.
Fed's beige book - growth 'subdued' in early 2003
The Federal Reserve Beige Book released Wednesday showed that growth remained subdued in January and February. The evidence contained in the report forms a major part of the Fed's decision making process on the interest rate setting FOMC.
China to again reform its econ planning ministries
A plan to reorganise China's key economic ministries calls for a new State Banking Regulatory Commission to be spun off from the central bank, according to agency reports.
Edey on economic performance and issues in 2003
SPEECH - In the speech 'Economic Performance and Issues in 2003' Malcolm Edey of the Reserve Bank of Australia said the international environment is quite an uncertain one, and the outlook now is not as promising as it seemed to be at this time last year…
Issing on monetary policy strategies
SPEECH - In the speech 'Considerations on monetary policy strategies for accession countries' Otmar Issing of the European Central Bank said central banks in accession countries can do a lot to facilitate a smooth and sustainable accession process. Their…
Kohn on the strength in consumer durables
SPEECH - In the speech 'The Strength in Consumer Durables and Housing: Policy Stabilization or Problem in the Making?' Donald Kohn of the Federal Reserve said it seems likely that as the economy strengthens and interest rates rise in response, household…
Dissent inside the Eurotower
ARTICLE - This article suggests that even if the ECB cuts interest rates on Thursday, the move will do little to satisfy critics pressing for a reappraisal of the bank's policymaking framework. The article suggests tensions between key ECB officials…
Norges Bank Press Release, 5 Mar
PRESS RELEASE - Norges Bank has decided to reduce the interest rate on banks' deposits with Norges Bank, the sight deposit rate, by 0.50 percentage point with effect from 6 March. The interest rate on banks' overnight loans will also be reduced by 0.50…
Bank of Japan Press Release, 5 Mar
PRESS RELEASE - Decision from the Bank of Japan Monetary Policy Meeting, 5 March.
Kenya president appoints new central bank governor
President Kibaki of Kenya has officially received and accepted the resignation of Nahashon Nyagah as the governor of Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). Dr Andrew Mulei has been appointed as his replacement. The CBK confirmed to CentralBankNet that Dr Mulei's…
Serb central banker would refuse Hague testimony
Serbian central bank chief Mladjan Dinkic said Tuesday he would refuse an approach for him to give testimony in the Hague because, he said, "I do not know what the purpose of my appearance before that tribunal would be".
Norway central bank cuts interest rates
Norges Bank, the Norwegian central bank, lowered key interest rates Wednesday by a half-percentage point. The Bank hinted that further reductions may be necessary.
World Bank wants Venezuela to lift for ex controls
The World Bank has said Venezuela's currency controls are transitory and can only work temporarily.
Fed's Parry: Fed has room to ease again
San Francisco Fed president Robert Parry has said there may still be room to reduce interest rates, if it were called for, as the risk of sparking an inflation increase was low.
RBA leaves rates steady
The Reserve Bank of Australia left interest rates on hold Wednesday for the ninth month in a row.
Background on Kenya's new central bank head
FEATURE - The new Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), Dr Andrew Mulei, is currently the Executive Director of the African Centre for Economic Growth. This feature provides some background details on the new CBK chief.
Deutsche Bundesbank Press Release
PRESS RELEASE - Statement by Edgar Meister in response to media enquiries, 4 March. Meister says that the issue of bonds by HVB Bank to raise capital is not necessary as the Bundesbank views the bank's solvency as "assured" and there are no supervisory…