Growth
Book notes: The London Consensus, by Tim Besley, Irene Bucelli and Andrés Velasco
The authors set out guidelines to address shortcomings linked to the Washington consensus, but implementation will be a challenge
BoT details efforts to curb gold-related FX volatility
Financial institutions given new timeframe to verify gold transactions, with further measures planned
EMs gain less from GenAI adoption than AEs – BIS study
Service economies with strong digital and legal frameworks best placed to benefit from AI
National central banks hold rates across Europe
Albania, Czech Republic, Hungary, Norway and Sweden all leave policy unchanged
European Central Bank holds rates
Updated forecast includes higher inflation and growth figures
Indonesia holds as Thailand eases policy
Economists predict both countries’ central banks will aim for looser liquidity in 2026
China to continue ‘moderately loose’ monetary policy in 2026
PBoC plans to work with other agencies in effort to boost consumption
Bank notes: October to December 2025
A round-up of news and salient issues that have affected central bankers in the past three months
Water scarcity threatens economies, IMF and BIS warn
Studies say impacts on growth, inflation, fiscal policy and balance of payments are likely to worsen
Swiss central bank keeps rates at zero
SNB says developments in global economy still pose ‘main risk’ to domestic economic outlook
Fed cuts by 25bp amid another three-way split on FOMC
Miran votes for deeper cut, and Goolsbee and Schmid opt to hold, as experts point to stagflation risks
Eurozone bank uncompetitiveness a ‘myth’ – Schnabel
Regulations have made lenders better, says ECB board member
NBFIs could dent transmission – Bundesbank board member
Growing non-bank activity could diminish banking channel’s importance, says Köhler-Geib
MNB puts sectoral buffers in place as real estate pressure mounts
Subsidised loans have increased demand for property eightfold, central bank finds
BoJ to tighten policy if economic projections hold, says Ueda
Governor says economy increasingly likely to realise bank’s baseline projections
Hedge funds cut BoJ bets after torrid year in yen rates
Dealers see lighter positioning after shock October election saw more than $300m of losses, compounding April’s pain
BoJ board member says rate hikes should continue
Noguchi calls for cautious approach to ensure inflation target is met
South Korea holds policy as expected
Economists expect decision to mark end of easing cycle
RBNZ’s 25bp cut marks end of easing cycle, say economists
Bank says economic activity picked up after policy fell to lowest point in more than three years
BoJ governor reaffirms preference for rate hikes
Ueda says policy normalisation should continue amid near-zero output gap and tight labour conditions
Experts see Japan’s PM having limited impact on BoJ independence
Takaichi’s hints on policy direction have precedent in Abenomics, former bank officials say