Australia
ECB's Trichet on economic and monetary issues
In the testimony given on 21 June Jean-Claude Trichet of the ECB said the insight that price stability is the primary goal for monetary policy has also been translated into the mandates of central banks of advanced economies and also of a very large…
Comment: The housing bubble debate
In a recent working paper for the Czech National Bank Stephen Cecchetti, an economist at Brandeis University concludes that "monetary policymakers have no choice but to face the risks posed by asset price bubbles head on".
RBA's Stevens on risk and the macroeconomy
In the speech 'Risk and the macroeconomy' given on 27 May Glenn Stevens of the Reserve Bank of Australia said interest rates around the world can't stay low and steady ``permanently'' and central banks will continue to control inflation.
RBA's Stevens calls for continuity
Glenn Stevens, deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, has called for "continuity" above all else when it comes to finding a replacement for governor Ian Macfarlane in September.
Comment: May in Review
Inflation concerns and financial markets volatility returned in the month of May - central bankers around the world, in both the developed and developing world, are suddenly confronted with a very different environment.
New Zealand hosts EMEAP central bank governors
Central bank governors from major countries in the region gathered in New Zealand over the weekend to discuss common issues, Reserve Bank of New Zealand governor Alan Bollard said Monday 29 May.
Comment: Emerging market jitters
Emerging markets equities, bonds and currencies have been under severe pressure over the last two weeks. The turning tide will leave a number of central banks uncomfortable, particularly as the favourable conditions of the last 2 and 3 years has actually…
RBA's Lowe on payments system reforms
In a speech given on 15 May Philip Lowe of the RBA said the changes that we have seen in the payments system to date are in the direction we expected.
RBA Statement on Monetary Policy, May 2006
The Reserve Bank of Australia published its May 2006 Statement on Monetary Policy on 5 May. The Australian economy is continuing to benefit from favourable international conditions, according to the report.
Comment: Unravelling the RBA hike
The Reserve Bank of Australia has joined the world's leading central banks in tightening mode. Last week's rate rise was largely unexpected and opinion is split over how far the central bank will go in hiking rates this year.
RBA raises interest rates 0.25%
The Reserve Bank of Australia raised interest rates to a 5-year high of 5.75% on Wednesday 3 May. "The Board judged at its May meeting that inflationary risks had increased sufficiently to warrant an increase in the cash rate," RBA governor Ian…
RBA's Macfarlane on monetary policy & the media
In a transcript from a radio report on Friday 28 April, Reserve Bank of Australia governor Ian Macfarlane pondered why the Australian media covered interest rate moves much more than either the US or UK media. He also recounted a 'near-death' experience…
Rivals line up for RBA succession
Australian Treasurer Peter Costello has just six months to find a replacement for Reserve Bank of Australia governor Ian Macfarlane. According to this article published on Sunday 26 March, Glenn Stevens may be favourite for the post, but there is still…
McGauchie reappointed to RBA's board
Australian Treasurer Peter Costello on Thursday 30 March reappointed Telstra Corp. chairman Don McGauchie to the Reserve Bank of Australia's board for another five-year term.
RBA Financial Stability Review, March 2006
The Reserve Bank of Australia published the March 2006 edition of its Financial Stability Review on Tuesday 28 March. Recent developments have been largely favourable from a financial stability perspective, according to the latest Review.
Financial Stability Forum concludes meeting
The Financial Stability Forum (FSF) held its fourth Asia-Pacific regional meeting on Thursday 16 March in Sydney, Australia.
RBA's Lowe on the payments system
In the speech 'The evolution and regulation of the payments system' given on 14 March Philip Lowe of the Reserve Bank of Australia said the global shift towards electronic payments was being driven by advances in technology and the lower cost of…
Comment: Busy week for policymakers
This week is a busy one for monetary policymakers, with policy meetings taking place in Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Here is a brief look at what's been on the mind of central bankers in these countries.
RBA's Richards on 'Economy 2006'
In the speech 'Economy 2006' given on 2 March Anthony Richards of the Reserve Bank of Australia said the outlook for the economy was favourable, with above-average world growth ensuring a favourable outlook for investors and commodity producers.
RBA's Edey on the Australian economy
In the speech 'The Australian economy - Prospects for 2006 and beyond' given on 24 February Malcolm Edey of the RBA said business was currently undergoing a major upswing, having expanded by 18 per cent over the past year.
RBA's Stevens: Recent economic & financial trends
In the speech 'Some observations on recent economic and financial trends' given on 22 February Glenn Stevens of the RBA said inflation in Australia is well contained and inflationary risks are balanced, yet interest rates are still more likely to rise…
RBA's Macfarlane on the Australian economy
In his opening statement to the House of Representatives given on 17 February I.J. Macfarlane of the Reserve Bank of Australia said it is more likely that the next movement in Australian interest rates will be up rather than down. He also said the way…
Let's cut the bullion about holding gold
This article published on Saturday 11 February asks whether the Reserve Bank of Australia has made a costly blunder in its management of Australia's international reserves. This task is surely a litmus test of a central bank's financial acumen, it says.
RBA Statement on Monetary Policy, February 2006
The Reserve Bank of Australia published its February 2006 Statement on Monetary Policy on 13 February. Global economic conditions are continuing to provide a favourable environment for the Australian economy, according to the report.