Monetary policy decisions
Plummeting inflation prompts Bank of Zambia action
Central bank cuts policy rate by 150bp, in addition to a cut to the overnight lending rate and reserve ratio; inflation falls from over 18% to 7% in a matter of months
IMF praises BCEAO’s latest policy actions
Latest round of measures will result in stronger banking sector, mission chief says; rejuvenation of interbank market will help monetary policy effectiveness
Bank of Uganda cuts rate as inflation outlook improves
The near-term inflation outlook worsens, but latest forecasts shows recovery within the target band; the IMF’s Lagarde praises the central bank for its “prudent” approach
Riksbank sees need for expansionary policy, despite rising inflation
Inflation in Sweden is now close to target, and expected to overshoot, but the central bank is holding policy steady with an eye on political uncertainty
Nigeria’s central bank is in the eye of the storm
The Central Bank of Nigeria’s flawed foreign exchange policies worsened a recession in 2016. It now needs to rebuild its credibility, argues former CBN deputy governor Kingsley Moghalu
US uncertainty puts Bank of Mexico on edge
Central bank hikes rate by 50bp as uncertainty from the US threatens inflation; international fuel prices are also a concern
BoJ’s Nakaso: inflation on upward path this year
Pressure on wages, rising commodity prices and a turnaround in expectations will drive up prices, deputy says; rejects calls for rate hike
Fed officials emphasise risks despite improving outlook
“Risk management” approach to policy needed despite improving outlook, say Evans and Kashkari; Bullard notes balance sheet adjustment also an option for tightening
RBI highlights bad debts as it holds rates
Surprise hold as committee sees “very sticky” core prices and global effects; central bank may create a ‘bad bank’ to tackle NPA problem
BoE signals extra slack as it revises growth outlook upwards
Mark Carney indicates the MPC is willing to keep rates on hold, although risks may emerge as details become clear about the UK’s EU departure; UK government publishes a white paper on Brexit
Only ‘gradual’ increases in interest rates on the cards at the Fed
FOMC members think only “gradual” adjustments to monetary policy are warranted; current pace will strengthen the labour market and see inflation rise
BoJ ups growth forecast after Trump shock
Improvements in overseas economies and yen weakness prompt central bank to revise up its growth forecast, though inflation is largely unchanged; policy remains on hold
Tight policy keeping a lid on inflation – Central Bank of Iceland
“Steep” pay increases and rising house prices keep the central bank on alert; report warns the situation could easily change
Protectionist ‘threats’ from US could harm emerging markets – Kganyago
International concerns high on Sarb’s list at latest MPC discussion; uncertainty surrounding US economic policy leads to revision of headline inflation forecast
Bank of Canada re-modelling export links to US – Poloz
Previous approach may have over-estimated importance of US when modelling exports, governor says; uncertainties over US fiscal policy makes forecasting challenging
Yellen: Fed expects rates to hit long-run level by end-2019
Fed chair warns there could be a “nasty surprise” down the road if policymakers wait too long to raise rates
Carney: 250,000 jobs lost by 2018 if BoE had not acted after Brexit vote
BoE governor defends 2016 action by underlining policy trade-off, but warns consumers are "looking through" Brexit-related uncertainties
Riksbank dissenters raise range of concerns
Three officials objected to the Riksbank’s decision to expand its asset purchases at the meeting on December 20, for a variety of reasons, minutes show
Brazil ups pace of easing as inflation drops
Size of cut surprises observers, though inflation proves more favourable than expected; rates still rising in real terms
Riksbank extends QE, despite dissent
Additional Skr30 billion of purchases takes Swedish QE programme to mid-2017; central bank cites continued risks to the outlook, but three members challenge decision
Yen weakness brings relief for Bank of Japan
Policy on hold, but central bank sees brighter outlook for 2017; yen close to lowest level this year, following Trump shock
SNB’s Jordan stresses commitment to exchange rate intervention
Central bank holds the policy rate, but the Swiss franc is still “significantly overvalued”, and the SNB will continue to intervene, chairman says
Inflation to reach 2% target in next six months, BoE says
MPC votes unanimously to leave rates unchanged at 0.25%; exchange rate appreciation suggests smaller overshoot of inflation target than previously forecast
FOMC signals hawkish outlook as it hikes
Dot plot shifts upward and projection implies members expect further hikes in 2017; Janet Yellen says fiscal stimulus “not obviously needed”