Monetary policy
Bank of Mexico hikes again as inflation remains high
The prospect of tighter policy in the US affects the monetary decisions in its major southern trading partner
Fijian authorities say there are no plans to lift capital controls
IMF warns not removing controls could harm foreign investment; central bank says it will review controls with respect to the level of foreign reserves
Tunisia’s prime minister requests replacement of governor
Country is grappling with high inflation, rising public debt and dwindling reserves
Philippines central bank on hold, despite surging inflation
January inflation hits three-year high, prompting many to expect a rate hike in the coming months
BoE opens door to May rate hike
MPC votes to keep current policy stance, but notes more positive inflation outlook; policy may now need to be tightened “by a somewhat greater degree”
IMF urges Indonesian authorities to focus on policy transmission
Interest rate caps and limited banking competition have left market interest rates “slow to adapt” to changes in monetary policy
ECB increases role of corporate debt in QE
Fall in sovereign bond purchases could allow extension of stimulus
Taxes putting pressure on investment in India – RBI’s Patel
Reserve Bank of India leaves interest rates on hold, expressing concerns that latest budget threatens to push inflation out of target zone
Plunging shares may be another sign of economic strength
The sell-off may be a reaction to stronger economic indicators and expectations of a hawkish Fed, say analysts
Lower unemployment may not create inflation, Bullard says
The relationship between employment and prices has changed, warns US policymaker
Wage growth refuses to budge, RBA’s Lowe says
Governor notes employment levels have improved and will continue to improve over the policy horizon, but wage growth continues to disappoint
Bank of Japan increases bond purchases amid global sell-off
Both the prime minister and the governor see no rush to withdraw stimulus
Yellen to join former Fed colleagues at Brookings
Janet Yellen returns to her research roots with position at Brookings Institution
CNB raises Czech rates to return inflation to target
A stronger currency is supporting the central bank in its efforts to control price pressures
Rates on hold after Yellen’s final FOMC meeting
New committee finds unanimity on rate hold, as Janet Yellen prepares to step down
Misinterpreting commodity price swings can be damaging – BIS paper
Whether movements are down to supply shocks or changes in global demand matters for policy, and mistakes can be procyclical when central banks act together
Inflation falls in the euro area despite stronger growth
Annual price increases expected to fall to 1.3% in January, Eurostat says
Governor of the year: Lesetja Kganyago
Kganyago has defended and enhanced the Sarb’s reputation as an independent and well-governed institution against all threats – despite a turbulent political and economic backdrop
Colombia signals end to easing cycle
Despite stronger than expected inflation, board cuts interest rates by 25bp to 4.5%; US policy normalisation and elections could put pressure on the peso in 2018
Weaker dollar may indicate markets expect US slowdown
Weakening currency despite strong growth presents puzzle for policymakers
Turkey lifts inflation forecasts for 2018 and 2019
Weaker lira is expected to keep increasing import prices, with inflation currently in double digits
Ukraine raises policy rates in biggest tightening since 2015
Smolii warns government over need to agree terms with IMF
SBP hikes for first time since 2013
Monetary policy committee acts to “pre-empt” the overheating of Pakistan’s economy
Central bankers assess markets’ reactions to policy changes
Benoît Cœuré warns of complacency among investors as central banks move to normalise