Monetary policy
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
BoJ board notes disappointing inflation indicators
Low inflation and expectations in a “weakening phase” drag on BoJ’s policy outlook
Central bank communications risk circularity, says BIS paper
Policy communications influence market prices and market prices influence policy, warn Stephen Morris and Hyun Song Shin
Draghi strongly criticises US statements on dollar
ECB president calls for US to keep “implicit agreement” on avoiding competitive devaluations
Bank Negara makes first rate hike since 2014
Bank Negara Malaysia is the first South-east Asian central bank to hike rates this year
Bank Indonesia launches joint initiative as rice prices bite
Indonesian central bank and government announce joint measures to control inflation arising from food price volatility
IMF welcomes reform progress in Egypt
A flexible exchange rate and tighter policy have helped stabilise the economy
Kenya not yet ready for more accommodative policy – Njoroge
Central Bank of Kenya leaves rates on hold despite well-anchored inflation and greater optimism; policymakers will continue to monitor interest rate cap impact
Davos experts weigh risks of future crisis
High debt levels, a rise in real interest rates and China are on the agenda for the panellists, who believe another financial crisis is inevitable
Fed paper models risk-taking channel of monetary policy
Model in which monetary expansion increases risk-taking appears to fit with the data
Nigerian central bank acts without MPC after quorum failure
Emefiele holds monetary policy steady, and hails continued fall in inflation