Interest rates
‘Trump slump’ hedges rise on rate cut fears
One dealer notes five-fold increase in number of clients hedging against possibility of faster easing
Consumption by rich fell sharply post-tightening – CBRT study
Research by Turkey’s central bank finds rate hikes caused wealthy to spend less and save more
Thailand unexpectedly cuts rates as growth poised to slow
Domestic manufacturing sector faces “intense competition” from abroad, BoT says
Bank of Korea resumes easing and lowers GDP forecast
Cut of 25bp aimed at boosting economy as country grapples with US tariffs and domestic political drama
Upside risks from Trump tariffs prompted Fed to hold rates
FOMC minutes show that January’s decision was partly informed by potential changes in US trade policy
China holds loan prime rates
PBoC stays put again as yuan strengthens after Trump signals potential trade talks with Xi
Bank Indonesia holds rates at 5.75%
Central bank faces dilemma of whether to prioritise bolstering growth or propping up currency
New Zealand continues easing cycle with 50bp cut
Trade concerns take centre stage as RBNZ delivers fourth consecutive reduction
Australia cuts rates for first time since 2020
RBA delivers long-awaited 25bp reduction but says markets are overconfident about further easing
China to make use of all monetary tools to boost growth
PBoC flags external volatility and renews pledge to support economy in quarterly report
UK economy vulnerable to Trump tariffs – BoE’s Greene
MPC member says US has outsized financial impact as biggest single-country trading partner
Philippines unexpectedly pauses easing cycle
BSP would have continued cutting if not for “uncertainty over trade policy”, governor says
Powell: ‘We’re close, but not there yet on inflation’
Fed chair also addresses bank independence, climate risk and CBDCs during testimony before Congress
Bigger rate cut would have sent clearer signal, says BoE dissenter
MPC member says UK’s economic outlook would have justified 50bp reduction
Mexico accelerates easing with 50bp cut
Board members, unfazed by uncertainty in US, speed up loosening as inflation slows
Fed vice-chair says rate cuts most likely over medium term
Jefferson says inflation and labour risks are in balance and cautions against immediate policy shift
Bank of Japan official reaffirms rate hike path
BoJ’s journey to policy normalisation continues as wage growth stays strong
Fed can afford to wait on rates, say regional heads
Atlanta and Chicago presidents say uncertainty over economy means it’s too soon to talk of more cuts
Trump reverses course on Fed decision
US president says central bank was right to hold rates in January
Colombia unexpectedly holds policy rate
Central bank pauses easing cycle as minimum wage hike complicates inflation dynamics
Argentina cuts rates by 300bp to 29%
Central bank will also slow peso’s monthly devaluation rate, starting from next week