Inflation
Bank of Canada follows Fed with coronavirus rate cut
It is “becoming clear” virus will impact growth more than previously expected, central bank says
What can the ECB do now?
Central bank is facing coronavirus shock with limited room for further policy measures
Riksbank’s Breman says coronavirus does not demand looser policy yet
Swedish central bank abandoned negative rates in December; inflation declined sharply in January
Above-target inflation ‘essential’ for dual mandate – Chicago Fed’s Evans
Evans is second senior Fed official to back new inflation-targeting approach in recent weeks
Eurozone inflation falls to 1.2% in February
Lower energy prices were the main factor behind the decline, core inflation edged slightly higher
Inflation targets back in the spotlight
Monetary policy can do little to offset the impact of Covid-19
Knot warns of drawbacks of negative rates
Consumers are increasing their savings rather than their consumption
Policy responses to Covid-19
The coronavirus outbreak poses a real threat to the global economy, writes Sayuri Shirai
IMF warns Zimbabwe’s economy is in crisis
“Deep humanitarian crisis” likely as authorities fail to reform or work with donors, IMF board says
Did the Riksbank abandon negative rates too soon?
In January, a key inflation measure dropped sharply. Policy-makers face difficult choices if inflation does not recover
Do low rates spur investment?
Many believe low interest rates spur investment, but there appears to be little hard evidence to support such claims, writes former IMF head Jacques de Larosière
Chinese spillovers may push global prices down- Finnish paper
Researchers find that Chinese economy has significant influence on global prices
Bank of Mexico cuts growth outlook on virus fears
Central bank says future growth is highly uncertain after Mexican economy contracted in 2019
PBoC ready to ease further as Xi calls for more stimulus
PBoC deputy governor vows to safeguard economy from virus shock as president says monetary easing should be “more flexible”
Kyrgyz Republic hikes rates for first time since 2015
Inflation still well below target but climbing fast due to external pressures
Why Bulgaria needs to deepen its currency board
The BNB’s currency board rules should be extended to transaction deposits at commercial banks, which could in turn issue digital currencies, even in the event of euro adoption
ECB unveils plan for its strategy review
Eurosystem will host “listening” events with general public, academia and civil society organisations
Fed’s Brainard backs ‘flexible inflation averaging’
Governor hints at possible outcome of Fed’s policy framework review
Competitive devaluation would harm US, Brookings paper warns
Trump’s calls to devalue currency would have damaging effects if followed, researchers say
Turkish central bank keeps cutting rates despite higher inflation
Cut brings Turkish real rates into negative territory as currency renews slide against dollar
Zimbabwean central bank optimistic but currency falls
Central bank fails to say whether debt repayments will be in US dollars or how long they will take
Book notes: The power of money, by Robert Pringle
Economists would benefit from reading this “remarkable” book, which contains “brilliantly written snapshots” about money’s historical and social roles
Should the ECB add owner-occupied housing costs to its inflation measure?
Yves Mersch argues broader measure of housing costs would give more realistic inflation picture
Bank of Mexico eases again to combat ‘stagnant’ economy
Central bank makes first rate cut since moving to new communications regime