Central Bank Watch
South African Reserve Bank Repo Rate Cut
July 20, 2017
South Africa’s central bank interest rate was cut for the first time in several years, and the decision drew dissents favoring no change by two of the Monetary Policy Committee’s six members. South African GDP unexpectedly contracted in the first quarter in a broad-based way. The growth outlook has worsened. Excess product supplies will consequently […] More
Central Bank Watch
European Central Bank Espouses Patience and Persistence
July 20, 2017
The latest Governing Council statement expresses growing confidence in growth and a return of inflation to target but fails to define when policy stimulus will be throttled back and the possible timetable for such a process. The signals are mixed. The statement reiterates that quantitative stimulus will continue for as long as necessary and doesn’t […] More
Central Bank Watch
Bank of Japan: Same old, Same old
July 20, 2017
Japanese monetary policy, although institutionally independent, suffers from chronically rigid thinking. The latest policy review produced 1) unchanged policy settings,2) another 7-2 vote with Kiuchi and Sato objecting to the majority’s policy preference for the same reasons that they have dissented at countless prior meetings, and 3) yet another outward push in the collective projected […] More
New Overnight Developments Abroad - Daily Update
Euro Strengthens With ECB in the Spotlight
July 20, 2017
The euro advanced 0.6% against the dollar and is not far beneath $1.16. The dollar otherwise climbed 0.4% relative to sterling, 0.3% versus the yen and Aussie dollar, 0.2% relative to the yuan and 0.1% versus the peso. The dollar dipped 0.1% against the Swissy and loonie. WTI crude oil rose 0.4% to $47.31 per […] More
