Reserves
ECB buys €500 million worth of renminbi for forex reserves
Belgian central bank also announces purchase of Chinese currency, plus South Korean won
Qatari peg under pressure despite reassurances
Riyal drops below official level of the peg amid concerns over Qatar’s diplomatic isolation; central bank governor highlights deep pool of reserves
‘Relentless pressure’ on Barbadian central bank harms growth
Former central bank governor says government should get help from IMF ‘without delay’; fund assistance is proven to help and would result in long-term gains, says Worrell
Central banks build expertise in move to riskier reserve tranches
Growing popularity of reserves tranching is stretching central banks’ capabilities, a new report finds, but they are turning to asset managers and other central banks for help
Central banks stress commitment as FX Global Code launches
Central banks worldwide are quick to state they will comply with the new global forex code and expect their counterparties to do the same
Norges Bank reserves swell, thanks to equity returns
Fixed-income portfolio returns were essentially zero in Q1, but the central bank is able to achieve returns on equity holdings
Ukraine’s Gontareva on one of the toughest jobs in central banking
The outgoing National Bank of Ukraine governor speaks about transforming the central bank while engaging in wartime deficit funding and overhauling the banking sector
IMF’s Werner: central banks need better understanding of interventions
Central banks in Latin America have employed a host of unconventional market interventions, but figuring out what works and what does not is proving tricky
Barbados raises reserve requirements for first time in a decade
Acting governor holds first press conference since 2014 to field questions about state of the economy; country needs “stronger fiscal discipline” before it can go to IMF, Haynes says
Riksbank urges government to amend profit allocation plans
General Council welcomes clarity in proposal but says it must have the power to request recapitalisation
Pakistan appoints deputy as interim governor
Governor Wathra not appointed for second three-year term despite reviving the banking sector; Riazuddin appointed for a provisional period of three months until replacement can be found
Reserve managers move to less traditional instruments – survey
More managers are increasing their holdings of corporate bonds
Reserve managers see politics shaping currency allocations
European political uncertainty weakens confidence in euro, with sterling pressured by Brexit; dollar’s popularity resurgent, despite Trump’s economic policies
China forex reserves inch higher in March
PBoC figures show increase of $3.96 billion, resulting in second consecutive monthly reading above $3 trillion
Central banks eye gold amid global uncertainty
Rising inflation and the unclear impact of Trump administration policies may lead reserve managers to view gold – and inflation-linked bonds – more favourably
Eurozone instability tops reserve manager fears – survey
Threat of instability or weakness in the eurozone and fear of major asset price correction are greatest concerns for reserve managers in 2017, Central Banking survey shows
Fed income drops in 2016
Central bank remits less to US Treasury as interest income declines and operating costs rise; passage of "Fast Act" changes remittance process
SNB annual report sheds light on equity investing strategy
Central bank details approach to investing around 20% of its foreign exchange reserves in equities, including diversification, activism and avoidance of political considerations
Denmark pays off all foreign debt for first time in 183 years
Government pays off its last foreign currency loan, leaving it free of foreign debt for the first time since at least 1834
Barbadian finance minister thanks Worrell, despite sacking him
Sinckler says government will “eliminate reliance" on central bank financing; gives Worrell lukewarm thanks for his time as governor
Worrell fired from Central Bank of Barbados
Finance minister removes governor from post after court battle; deputy appointed by the board to serve as new governor
Worrell’s woes: Barbadian governor battling on two fronts
Further evidence emerges on governor’s clash with finance ministry and board; Worrell worried about level of reserves and fiscal spending, while senior management complains of being marginalised
Mexico steps in to stabilise forex market
New derivatives contracts will be available to all credit institutions, with the first auction scheduled for March 6; a total of up to $20 billion will be allocated, central bank says
New deposits backed by central bank money could solve public mistrust
New deposits backed by central bank reserves could address public fears about bank safety following the use of bail-in tools in the resolution of regional banks, argues Alessandro Roselli