The Bank of England on Thursday raised interest rates by 25 bps to 1.0%. Six of the bank’s nine rate-setters supported the 25 bps hike, though three wanted a larger 50 bps move. The rate hike was in line with expectations, but the vote split was more hawkish than expected, …
Read More »European Central Bank Preview
For the ECB, the latest Eurozone data provide a discomforting combination of record-high inflation and slow first-quarter growth. The level and widespread nature of the former are forcing the central bank to act, and markets are now pricing in 90 bp of rate hikes this year, although the latter provides …
Read More »ECB Official Hints at first rate hike during Q3
European Central Bank Governing Council member Ignazio Visco has added his voice to heated discussions on when the ECB will begin to raise its benchmark interest rate.Rates in the Eurozone have been negative following the region’s sovereign debt crisis, and the ECB has confirmed that it will conclude its net …
Read More »ECB Economic Bulletin: Russia’s aggression in Ukraine is causing enormous suffering
Russia’s aggression in Ukraine is causing enormous suffering. It is also affecting the economy, in Europe and beyond. The conflict and the associated uncertainty are weighing heavily on the confidence of businesses and consumers. Trade disruptions are leading to new shortages of materials and inputs. Surging energy and commodity prices …
Read More »Could US Real GDP growth in Q1 turn out to be negative?
On Thursday, the first estimate of US GDP growth will be released. Analysts at Wells Fargo, expect a 0.6% annualized growth rate. They point out that although the economy does not appear on the cusp of another downturn, the probability of a recession next year is not insignificant. Key Quotes: …
Read More »BoJ Preview: Forecasts from six major banks, policy changes in response to JPY weakness
The Bank of Japan will hold its policy meeting on Thursday, April 28 at 03:00 GMT and as we get closer to the release time, here are the expectations forecast by the economists and researchers of six major banks.The BoJ is unlikely to announce any changes to its monetary policy …
Read More »Macklem Expects BoC Next Interest Hike In June
The governor of the Bank of Canada is signalling Canada’s key interest rate could go up another half percentage point in June to help fight inflation and keep it under control. Two weeks ago the central bank raised its key interest rate a half point to one per cent and …
Read More »US Dollar Benefits From Hawkish Fed Language, Euro In Demand
Risk-off trading conditions, triggered in part by a rise in US yields amid hawkish Fed rhetoric, saw US equities dip on Thursday and the safe-haven US dollar outperform, especially against its more risk-sensitive G10 peers like the Australian, New Zealand and Canadian dollars. The US Dollar Index (DXY) reversed an …
Read More »Daly: Case for a 50 bps rate hike in May is now “complete”
San Francisco Fed President and FOMC member Mary Daly on Wednesday said that the case for a 50 bps rate hike in May is now “complete” and that the Fed can also make an announcement on the reduction of its balance sheet at the next meeting, reported Reuters. Daly said …
Read More »Nagel Expects ECB’s first rate hike to come in Q3
Bundesbank President and ECB governing council member Joachim Nagel said on Wednesday that he expects the ECB’s first rate hike to come in Q3 of this year, though he also said he is against hasty rate hikes. Nagel warned that getting inflation back to the ECB’s 2.0% target is looking …
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