Inflation
Bank of Canada raises rates as economy nears potential
Central bank hikes the policy interest rate 25 basis points to 1.25%
Bank of Korea on hold amid policy dilemma
Strong won and benign inflation likely to keep the BoK on hold in the first half of 2018
Kazakhstan cuts rates on low inflation and weak demand
Central bank reduces key rate to 9.75% from 10.25%, inflation below forecast in 2017
‘Goldilocks economy’ implies bears may not be far away – Menon
Despite reasons for optimism, “three grumpy bears” may soon return, says MAS chief
Morocco introduces a more flexible exchange rate
The central bank introduces a daily band of 5% for the dirham to trade against major currencies
Peruvian central bank cuts rates amid political crisis
Economy impacted by political crisis following the pardon of former president Alberto Fujimori
BIS paper explores effects of global factors on inflation
Authors find impact of global factors is mainly temporary, but the effects appear more significant for countries without long-established inflation targets
ECB policymakers see a robust economic recovery – minutes
Rate setters satisfied with the impact of the QE extension decided in October
Higher inflation in Norway supports tighter outlook
Norges Bank brings forward its first planned rate hike to late 2018
Riksbank closer to tightening policy, governor Ingves says
Minutes show disagreements over future policy among policymakers
Argentina cuts rates, but keeps focus on inflation
Analysts express concerns over the decision, as inflation remains high
Fall in hours worked can flatten Phillips curve, Italian paper says
Changes to “intensive margin of labour utilisation” may make inflation less responsive to employment
SNB expects record profits for 2017
Swiss central bank benefits from high asset prices and a weaker franc
First Romanian policy hike in a decade
Central bank hikes policy rate for the first time since 2008, as inflation exceeds forecasts
Richmond Fed paper explores Fed’s monetary policy history
The author identifies a lack of consensus on the nature of the monetary regime as a policy weakness
Angola looks to abandon currency peg
Crippled by low commodity prices, Angola’s kwanza will be allowed to float within a range, governor says
Argentina lifts target as inflation persists
IMF recommended keeping tighter monetary stance in latest report in December; Argentina’s move could impact central bank credibility
Rwandan central bank cuts rates to historical low
Inflation falls from 6.4% to 2.2% in 12 months; growth supported by higher commodity prices and improved agricultural performance
2017: The year in review
Over the past year, the global economy regained some strength, and some central banks began to return their policy to normal; but it was not all smooth sailing
Cambodia shortens duration of liquid reserves ahead of election – reserves chief
De-dollarisation and lack of interbank market make forex intervention the only real policy tool left for National Bank of Cambodia
Bank of Japan keeps policy setting on hold
BoJ keeps policy on hold as inflation target remains elusive; Goshi Kataoka dissents again
Riksbank moves towards normalisation; interest rate on hold
Executive board votes to keep the interest rate at –0.5%; says it will end QE programme in December 2017
FOMC will lose two dissenting doves in 2018
Kashkari and Evans were the only members who voted against the last rate rise on December 13
Google’s Hal Varian on how technology is changing economics
Google’s chief economist talks to Christopher Jeffery about how big data and machine learning are facilitating changes in economic thinking; discusses the impact technical breakthroughs may have for central banks