Iraq
US traces bulk of Iraqi central bank funds
Agence France-Presse reports that senior US Treasury official John Taylor said on Thursday 15 May,that the United States had identified most of the close to $ 1 billion, "We are getting more and more confirmation that the large bulk of those funds have…
Iraq central bank appears unlooted
Contrary to many early reports it seems the central bank of Iraq's main vaults have escaped looting and still contain U-S dollars, Iraqi dinars, gold and items from the museum put there for safekeeping.
US forces recover $800m of 'stolen' Iraqi cash
The US state department said Tuesday that about $800m that was stolen from the central bank of Iraq has been recovered.
Saddam's son took $1bn from central bank pre war
A report in the New York Times said that just before the war in Iraq began US$1bn in cash was removed from the central bank by one of Saddam Hussein's sons. Three tractor-trailers were needed to cart the money off, an Iraqi official said and it took a…
Iraq war effect on Mideast less severe - IMF
An IMF official told Reuters on Thursday 1 May that the Iraq war was unlikely to have as severe an effect as expected on the Middle East economy because the conflict was relatively short.
Snow outlines US Iraq help with new central bank
US Treasury Secretary John Snow said on Wednesday 30 April that priorities in Iraq will include restoring the Finance Ministry and central bank and establishing a sound national currency, according to Associated Press.
Iraq central bank staff ready for return to work
Al Jazeera reports that staff of the looted and destroyed central bank of Iraq are ready to return to work - if there is security and another location can be found.
Decision looming on Iraqi currency
The Iraqi currency has collapsed along with the government. In an article published by Associated Press, Professor Steve Hanke says the currency issue is an urgent one and should be a high priority for Jay Garner and his team of U.S. administrators in…
Iraq central bank described as a 'burned out husk'
A short report from Associated Press included details of the current state of the Central Bank of Iraq. The report said all nine floors of the central bank have collapsed.
The euro could help Iraq's economic recovery
In an article in the Financial Times Professor Steve Hanke says that to be successful, a currency reform plan in Iraq must be informed by the country's history, well crafted and available fast.
Looters strip Baghdad's banks of cash
Iraq's battered central bank has been ransacked many times by mobs of looters who hunt for any banknote not incinerated, reported Middle East Online.
Value of Iraqi currency takes nose dive
An article from the Wall Street Journal asks What will happen to the Iraqi currency? The article suggests a lot of work has to be done, particularly as the 250 dinar note is now worth more than the 10,000 note due to the possible cancellation of notes…
Gordon Brown on current challenges to the IMF
Statement by Rt Hon Gordon Brown, United Kingdom International Monetary and Financial Committee, Washington D.C., 12 April 2003.
Central Bank of Iraq - Looters try vault break in
British television on Thursday April 10 broadcast a report from inside the Central Bank of Iraq. A reporter was shown walking amongst upturned desks and debris with papers scattered everywhere and no sign of any staff.
ECB says 2003 growth rate hard to predict
The European Central Bank published its April 2003 Monthly Bulletin on 10 April. In the report the ECB said while a modest rate of growth should be expected this year, "the specific evolution of economic growth for the rest of this year is particularly…
Inside the Central Bank of Iraq
A website ArchNet, intended for architects interested in the Islamic world, contains photographs of the Central Bank of Iraq. The site says "The bank is housed in a cubical building with few exterior openings, and is organised around an inner courtyard…
Guess who's coming for dinars?
An article from Bloomberg News says that the Iraqi dinar is in great demand and that coalition success in the war is likely to boost its value considerably. Apparently investors are snapping up the Saddam Hussein decorated notes, with one Pakistan based…
Iraqi central bank looted by residents
A report from Associated Press on the war in Iraq contained details of what was described as looting at the central bank in Baghdad. The looting apparently included the removal of carpets, chairs and other fixtures from the Bank.
RBA's McGauchie: dangers of weak foreign growth
In an interview published by Dow Jones Newswires, Reserve Bank of Australia board member Don McGauchie said that anaemic economic growth in Europe and Japan is of much greater concern than war in Iraq.
Iraq's central bank unveils new banknote
The Iraqi central bank has issued a new banknote for 10000 dinar. The note contains various security features as well as the same portrait of President Saddam Hussein used on all other banknotes in Iraq, according to the LBMRC.
Iraq conflict 'likely to hit global growth'
In a regular report the World Bank said the Iraq conflict will probably have about the same effect on the global economy as the September 11 attack the Financial Times reports. The report also said the huge accumulation of reserve assets means the…
Boston Fed's Minehan urges vigilance on US economy
Cathy Minehan, President of Boston Federal Reserve, said in a speech on Monday 31 March that vigilance will be necessary following a raft of negative economic data, according to a report by Reuters. She also described the risks to the economy from war…
Fed's Bies - Gauging war impact may take some time
Fed board member Susan Bies said on Monday 31 March thatit was difficult to separate out the effect of war on the economy compared to other fundamental economic issues, Reuters reports. It could take a few months for a clear picture to emerge as to what…
Richmond Fed's Broaddus: Economy will weather war
Richmond Fed president Alfred Broaddus has said economic recovery in the US will be strong enough to ride out the Iraq war. The economy should be "solid enough" to withstand current shocks, he said.