China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), has taken significant steps to support the struggling economy by reducing a key short-term interest rate and injecting substantial liquidity into the financial system. This move comes amid a global trend of monetary policy adjustments, with other major economies like the United States and Japan also making changes to their interest rates.
China’s central bank took action to stimulate the economy by lowering a key interest rate and injecting more liquidity into the financial system. This move comes amidst concerns about China’s economic slowdown and the possibility of missing its annual growth target. Experts believe further measures are likely to be announced soon to revive economic momentum.
A Polish court has ruled that lawmakers cannot question the central bank chief, escalating the ongoing conflict between the current government and supporters of the previous administration. The ruling, which stems from accusations against the central bank governor, highlights the deep political divisions within Poland and raises concerns about the government’s ability to achieve its reform goals.
China’s central bank kept benchmark lending rates unchanged in August, reflecting a cautious approach as policymakers balance supporting economic growth with maintaining financial stability. The decision comes as banks face shrinking profit margins and the economy shows signs of weakness. While a rate cut was expected by economists, the PBOC’s focus has shifted to managing liquidity through other tools, with further easing anticipated in the coming months.
New Zealand’s central bank has surprised markets by cutting interest rates for the first time since 2020, signaling an aggressive easing path to combat slowing economic growth and bring inflation down to its target range. This move has sparked a sell-off in the Kiwi dollar and prompted predictions of further rate reductions in the coming months.
Bangladesh’s Chief Justice and Central Bank Governor have resigned following widespread student protests targeting officials appointed during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime. The protests, which have led to the deaths of hundreds, have forced Hasina to flee to India.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently working from home. He is experiencing symptoms and following CDC guidelines by staying away from others. Powell’s positive test comes after a trip to Europe, where he appeared on stage at an event with Dutch central bank president Klaas Knot. Powell had previously tested positive for COVID-19 in January 2023. Financial markets showed little reaction to the announcement, and the next scheduled Fed policy meeting is not until June 11-12.
The South African Reserve Bank warns of prolonged inflation uncertainties amid elevated food prices and volatile energy costs. Despite inflation falling within the target range, it remains above the preferred midpoint of 4.5%, indicating a bumpy and protracted path to stabilization. Services inflation, expected to rise to 5% this year, adds to the challenges, prompting the bank to maintain higher interest rates than previously anticipated. The bank emphasizes the need for fiscal prudence, prudent debt levels, and a move to a single-point inflation target to support monetary policy efforts and lower borrowing costs in the long term.
Mexican headline inflation is anticipated to rise slightly in early April, reaching 4.48% for the first 15 days of the month, according to analysts’ forecasts. Despite easing to 4.39% in early April, core inflation, which does not consider volatile energy and food costs, remains at its lowest level since May 2021. The increase in overall inflation comes after a low point of 4.25% last October and maintains it above the Bank of Mexico’s goal of 3% +/- 1%. While the central bank lowered its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points in March, Deputy Governor Jonathan Heath indicated that the board may prolong the hold for an extended period amidst resilient inflation.
