Euro
Sarb’s Marcus laments ‘new phase’ in eurozone crisis
Latest South African Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Review shows rising inflation and hesitant domestic economic recovery; governor Gill Marcus shares concerns as eurozone crisis rumbles on
Greek reversion to drachma easier than euro conversion, say analysts
If Greece were to leave the eurozone it would have to establish a new currency in record time; analysts explain how the process would be simpler today due to technological advances
SNB returns to profit with $19 billion gain
Swiss National Bank reports large profit for first three quarters of 2011 due to valuation gains in gold holdings and decline in foreign currency losses
Greek debt value halved after marathon EU discussions
New Europe crisis resolution deal brokered overnight in Belgium; EFSF extended, Greek debt cut, banks’ capital to rise and governance increased
Estonia sounds clear warning on Europe crisis contagion
Eesti Pank says strain is growing in Estonia as eurozone crisis spreads to other areas of the region; asks banks to pay close attention to capital levels
Central banks shy away from euro reserves
New data from the IMF’s currency reserves database suggests reserves accumulation has slowed during 2011 and the appetite to hold euro reserves has also waned, particularly in emerging markets
Finland announces markka conversion deadline
Finns have until February 29 to change markka banknotes and coins to euro; currency outstanding valued at $386 million
Eurozone crisis hit financially constrained firms hardest: IMF paper
Fund study says eurozone crisis caused greatest distress among firms with greater financial constraints and increased exposure to peripheral euro countries
ECB’s González-Páramo on convergence requirements to euro accession
European Central Bank executive board member José Manuel González-Páramo dicusses need for sustainable convergence to the euro in Bulgaria
Could the Swiss start a trend?
Robert Pringle discusses the Swiss National Bank's action to limit the exchange rate between the franc and the euro, and asks if others should, and will, follow
Sovereign debt crisis reflects lack of confidence in euro: RBA’s Stevens
Reserve Bank of Australia governor Glenn Stevens says fiscal position of European countries risks undermining confidence in euro
SNB faces battle to maintain franc currency floor
Swiss National Bank pledges to set minimum euro exchange rate at Sfr1.20; analysts express concern over central bank’s ability to maintain exchange rate floor
Buba paper on circulation of German euro banknotes
Bundesbank study estimates two-thirds of Germany-issued euro banknotes are in circulation outside Germany
Options traders braced for further SNB intervention
Demand has switched from downside EUR/CHF options to upside options in anticipation of further Swiss franc weakening measures from SNB, say senior options traders
Interview: Robert Mundell
The Nobel laureate explains what is needed to save Europe’s single currency and calls for greater global coordination of monetary policies, in conversation with Robert Pringle
Would Spain be better off out of the euro?
Domingo Cavallo compares the economic performances of the UK and Spain during the crisis to see if being ‘out’ is better than being ‘in’
Swiss franc rallies as SNB shows no sign of euro peg
Swiss National Bank intensifies battle against strong Swiss franc by injecting further liquidity into markets; pass on euro-peg moves currency 1% higher
Swiss franc falls on euro peg talk
Swiss franc loses 6.7% against the euro and 6.1% against the dollar as markets digest comments by Swiss National Bank vice chairman Thomas Jordan
Swiss franc declines as SNB eases policy rate
Swiss National Bank moves to stem strengthening of the Swiss franc by easing monetary policy; franc falls 1.97% against the euro following decision
Robert Mundell: How to save the euro
Nobel laureate Robert Mundell says eurozone can be saved with three-pronged policy solution, ‘for the short run, intermediate run and long run’
ABS markets influential on composition of international debt markets: ECB report
European Central Bank study on asset-backed securities markets provides valuable insight into the currency composition of international debt markets
Euro area leaders thrash out Greece deal
Leaked document shows euro area leaders agree to extend maturities on Greece loans through European Financial Stability Facility; compares second bailout for Greece to Marshall plan
Euro counterfeit figure drops
European Central Bank releases counterfeit figures; 18.8% decrease in notes found
Romania joins Target2
National Bank of Romania moves step closer to euro adoption with launch of national component of large-value euro payments system