Unemployment
Most FOMC participants say they may raise rates ‘soon’, minutes show
Data show US unemployment falling to lowest point since December 2000
Fed survey reports increased US economic prosperity
Inequality across ethnic groups, regions and educational levels remains a key economic factor
Bostic sees US economy close to jobs and inflation targets
Even with higher rates, the Fed president forecasts inflation “to run a bit above” 2% target
Slowdown of US growth is temporary, Dallas Fed says
Despite weaker growth in Q1, the labour market keeps tightening and demand is solid
Riksbank delays first hike on weak inflation
Repo rate expected to remain negative until late 2019
Swedish paper examines effects of business cycles on employment
Volatile business cycles cut the number of new jobs and employment, Riksbank paper says; analysis uses labour market search model to track effects
Few US low-wage workers progress in labour market – Fed research
Only 5% had a better job within one year, and the group is more likely to become unemployed
US steel tariffs likely to damage labour market – NY Fed research
Exporters who need steel imports face higher input costs, possibly leading to lower employment
More older people and women joining labour force, RBNZ paper finds
New Zealand’s labour force participation has grown since 2000 and reached an all-time high in 2017
US labour participation rate down more than OECD average – Dallas Fed
Higher incarceration rates and worse social services may partly explain trend
IMF analyses demographic and technological changes affecting productivity
IMF researchers say right policy choices can offset the negative impacts of technological and demographic changes
Fed’s Powell emphasises ‘patient’ approach to policy
Fed chair acknowledges very low unemployment has been accompanied by other signs that the labour market may be operating below potential
Financial literacy is ‘essential’, says Fed’s Bostic
Atlanta Fed president says financial literacy is key component to achieving employment mandate
Student debt becomes a bigger threat to US financial stability
The debt has surpassed auto loans and credit cards, and now only trails mortgages
Language shapes monetary policy preferences in Switzerland – research
Culture partly outweighs shared institutions and economic history in setting priorities
Israel’s Flug calls for higher-quality labour market
Bank of Israel governor says country is close to full employment but must do more to improve labour market conditions
Technological change has contributed to low wage increases – Riksbank’s Skingsley
Monetary policy can respond by balancing high resource utilisation with price stability
Incoming RBNZ governor signs deal on new mandate
Agreement establishes dual mandate in the birthplace of inflation targeting; government reveals more details on changes to decision-making structure
Powell strikes cautiously upbeat note in first policy press conference
Federal Open Market Committee shifts economic forecasts up marginally
Fehmi Mehmeti confirmed as Bank of Kosovo governor
Parliament narrowly votes to approve the interim governor for the full-time role
Denmark is entering a boom – central bank
The Nordic country is benefiting from the growth in export markets, including the US and eurozone
Algerian monetary financing may stoke inflation, warns IMF
In September 2017, Algiers resorted to central bank financing of budget deficits
People: ECB clears way for de Guindos
Governing council says it has “no objection” to the Spanish candidate; Bank of England’s David Thorburn resigns; RBNZ gains a board member
Malaysia central bank dismisses concerns over government cash handout
BNM says cash handout idea was “first mooted” by its board, dismissing the suggestion it was designed to “tempt” the Malaysian people