Central Bank Watch
Third Rate Increase in South Korea
January 12, 2011
Political tensions had persuaded the Bank of Korea’s Monetary Policy Committee not to raise interest rates in December as it had done in November and July, and analysts were anticipating a similar decision this month. Instead, a third increase of 25 basis points has been implemented in the key rate to 2.75%. A statement from […] More
Central Bank Watch
ECB Meeting Preview: No Meaningful Policy Changes
January 12, 2011
During this prolonged span of ultra-low interest rates, the Governing Council of the European Central Bank has preferred to introduce initiatives and pertinent information at its March, June, September, and December meetings. Those are the months when new staff projections are unveiled. Officials will find no compelling reason to break this pattern. This is unlikely […] More
Central Bank Watch
Thailand’s One-Day Repo Rate Hiked to 2.25% from 2.0% as Expected
January 12, 2011
Thai monetary officials implemented the fourth interest rate increase in five meetings, lifting such to 2.25% from a cyclical low of 1.25% prior to mid-2010. Policymakers met previously on December 1 and do not hold another meeting until March 9. A lull in growth during the third quarter of last year proved brief, and Thailand […] More
New Overnight Developments Abroad - Daily Update
ECB Supporting Portuguese Bonds Ahead of Auction
January 12, 2011
Equities advanced 2.9% in Indonesia, 1.8% in India, 1.5% in Hong Kong and 0.6% in China and Thailand overnight. Japan’s Nikkei improved 0.3%, and the Paris Cac and German Dax have so far climbed 1.4% and 1.3%. The British Ftse is 0.3% higher. ECB buying of peripheral debt and verbal support from China and Japan […] More