Central Banking
The Tokyo Olympics: downside risks prevail
The Bank of Japan’s latest stimulus effort seems to be weak, and comes at a time when the benefits of hosting the Tokyo Olympics may be overstated – even if the games still take place
Croatian central bank starts bond-buying programme
HNB also holds repo auction and may relax banks’ capital buffers in response to coronavirus
Asian central banks rush to roll out easing measures
Japan expands asset purchases; Korea cuts rates to record low; China extends lending and HKMA cuts capital buffer
Central banks activate contingency plans amid Covid-19 pandemic
Rotating and remote team working aims to reduce contagion risk
RBNZ reduces rates by 75bp in emergency meeting
Central bank says future purchases of government bonds preferable to lower rates
Central banks should support demand and bolster confidence – IMF
IMF offers advice to central banks on what measures are appropriate to combat Covid-19
Bank of Israel unveils actions to boost market function
Repo operations and asset purchases designed to tackle high volatility
Richmond Fed paper examines use of discount window
Facility not typically used in “life or death” scenarios, researchers find
Fed cuts rates 100bp as central banks launch joint action
US central bank unveils unprecedented coronavirus response package as global swap lines are bolstered through co-ordinated action
ECB strongly criticised by French and Italian leaders
Lagarde’s words spark Italian anger while Macron says first ECB measures are not sufficient
Lagarde misstep overshadows ‘bold’ measures, analysts say
ECB president seemed to have hampered governments’ debt financing at a critical juncture
PBoC injects $79 billion into virus-hit economy
Targeted RRR cut encourages smaller banks to lend to SMEs; more easing steps expected to stabilise economy
Central banks step up liquidity support
RBA, Bank of Canada, Norges Bank and Riksbank all increase their liquidity interventions
More frequent ELB events cut inflation expectations – San Fran Fed
Household and businesses change spending and pricing behaviours, researchers say
Covid-19 will not delay World Economic Outlook – IMF’s Rice
Communications director says reports will be published as normal
Norges Bank cuts rates 50bp in emergency meeting
Central bank offers extraordinary three-month loans to banks and calls on government to reduce countercyclical buffer
Fed to flood repo market with up to $5.5 trillion
NY Fed unveils substantial liquidity package as analysts warn massive market disruption is possible
Curaçao and Sint Maarten to introduce instant payments system
Central bank partners with equensWorldline to build new dual currency system
ECB lowers capital levels as EBA postpones stress tests
Coronavirus response sees ECB loosen limits for largest banks while EBA calls for supervisory flexibility
Lagarde seems to stumble as ECB announces coronavirus response
ECB announces more QE, expanded financing and loosening of banks’ capital and liquidity buffers
Cannabis industry causing problems for Caribbean finance - ECCB
Industry could lead to further de-risking efforts from foreign banks, central bank warns
BoE sets out design principles for retail CBDC
Paper sheds new light on BoE’s thinking on design process and possible pitfalls
NY Fed increases repo operations in new bid to tackle funding squeeze
Trump announces fiscal and travel measures as Fed steps up efforts to support bank funding
Monetary policy can help buffer Covid-19 impact – RBA’s Debelle
Deputy governor says rate cuts will boost spending despite lag and reduce exchange rate volatility