All articles tagged with #central banks
Leaders of major central banks reportedly sent a private memo to their governments expressing solidarity with Fed Chair Jerome Powell amid political pressure over how quickly to cut interest rates, signaling unity among global monetary authorities and cautioning against political retaliation that could complicate coordinated policy and impact the world economy.
In an unusual show of international unity, central bankers from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, the United Kingdom and more issued a joint statement backing Fed Chair Jerome Powell as he faces a criminal probe and sustained political pressure from Donald Trump. They stressed that central bank independence is essential for price stability and democratic accountability, warning that politicizing monetary policy could raise inflation and long‑term interest rates, with spillovers for the global economy. The episode echoes historical precedents like the Nixon era and Turkey’s political pressure on its central bank, serving as a warning against undermining monetary autonomy.
World central bank chiefs, including the Bank of England, ECB and Bank of Canada, signed a joint statement of full solidarity with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, praising his integrity and the independence of monetary policy as the Justice Department investigates him over a renovation-related matter. Powell warned that political pressure could undermine the Fed’s ability to set policy, amid a 3.6% target rate after three cuts and inflation around 2.7%. Powell’s term ends in May, with a potential successor to be named amid Republican scrutiny, while former Fed chairs and a broad slate of international signatories voiced support for independence.
Global central bankers issued a rare joint statement backing Fed Chair Jerome Powell and defending the Fed’s independence amid a criminal investigation into the Washington renovation, while Trump pressures for rate cuts and concerns about affordability underscore the broader impact of U.S. monetary policy on the world economy.
A rare international display of support from 10 major central banks, coordinated by the BIS, pledges full solidarity with Fed Chair Jerome Powell amid Donald Trump’s attacks on his independence; the piece notes Powell’s DOJ investigation related to Fed HQ renovations and warns that undermining central-bank independence could raise inflation expectations and borrowing costs.
Central banks are engaging in gold trading to combat smuggling activities, reflecting efforts to tighten financial controls and curb illegal trade. The article discusses the strategic move by authorities to use gold transactions as a tool against illicit activities.
Gold is experiencing its best year since 1979, soaring nearly 71% due to global uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and central bank buying, making it a highly attractive safe haven for investors amid inflation, currency fluctuations, and international conflicts.
Gold has experienced its best year since 1979, soaring nearly 71% due to global uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and central bank buying, making it a preferred safe haven for investors amid inflation, currency fluctuations, and international conflicts.
Gold has surged over 65% in 2026, nearing $4,400 per ounce, driven by geopolitical risks, a weakened dollar, and increased central bank buying, with some analysts now predicting it could reach $5,000 within the next year and a half, marking a significant regime shift in gold investment strategies.
European stocks rose slightly as markets awaited key central bank decisions, with the Bank of England cutting interest rates to 3.75%, Norway holding rates steady, and investors reacting to inflation data and corporate news, while US markets remained cautious ahead of inflation reports.
Despite a recent market decline, futures suggest optimism as traders believe the sell-off was overdone, while concerns grow over AI investment strategies funded by debt and the likelihood of no further Fed rate cuts in 2023, with investors wary of bond yield rises and trade tensions.
Asian stocks fluctuated after a tentative US-China trade deal was announced, with markets cautious about its durability, while the Bank of Japan kept interest rates steady, leading to a weaker yen. The Federal Reserve signaled caution on rate cuts amid data uncertainties, and global markets await further central bank decisions, with tech earnings and geopolitical developments influencing investor sentiment.
Gold prices declined by up to 1.3% to near $4,058 an ounce as progress on a US-China trade deal reduced haven demand, reversing a recent rally that saw gold reach over $4,380. The market is shifting towards more fundamental factors amid upcoming central bank decisions, with traders also focusing on a record-high conference in Kyoto for bullion professionals.
Last week, major stock indexes hit record highs driven by positive inflation data and trade optimism, with the Federal Reserve likely to cut interest rates. This week features key earnings reports from tech giants and financial firms, along with global central bank decisions, including the Fed, Bank of Canada, Bank of Japan, and European Central Bank, amid ongoing trade talks between the US and China.
Gold prices experienced a significant correction, dropping over 6% after reaching record highs near $4,400 an ounce, prompting a rush of buying from retail investors and record attendance at a major gold conference, amid ongoing concerns about overextension and market corrections in the gold bull market.