Central Banks
Monetary policy decisions, interest rate changes, and central bank communications worldwide.
Federal Reserve Holds Rates at 3.50-3.75% in Powell's Final Meeting on 8-4 Vote, Most Divided Since 1992
The Federal Reserve held its policy rate at 3.50-3.75% in Jerome Powell's final FOMC meeting, in an 8-4 decision that was the committee's most divided vote since 1992.
Bank of Canada Holds Overnight Rate at 2.25% and Warns Oil-Driven Inflation Could Force Consecutive Hikes
The Bank of Canada held its overnight rate at 2.25% and warned that consecutive hikes could be needed if energy-driven inflation persists, as Macklem took a hawkish tone.
Bank of Japan Holds Rate at 0.75% as Three Board Members Push for 1.00% Hike
The Bank of Japan kept its policy rate at 0.75% in a 6-3 vote, with three board members calling for an immediate move to 1.00% on inflation risks.
PBOC Strengthens Yuan Fix to 6.8854 Amid Global Pressures
The People's Bank of China set the USD/CNY reference rate at 6.8854, a 75-pip gain from 6.8929, signaling tighter currency management. This adjustment anchors onshore trading within a 2% band as Beijing navigates economic headwinds.
PBOC Slashes Tool Rates in Measured Easing Signal
China's central bank cut rates on key structural tools by 0.25 points and boosted relending quotas by 900 billion yuan, hinting at moderate easing into 2026 amid economic headwinds. Investors parse the moves for clues on stimulus depth.
Federal Reserve Holds Federal Funds Rate at 3.50–3.75% Amid Trade War Uncertainty
The FOMC kept the federal funds rate unchanged at 3.50–3.75% as Chair Powell cited data-dependency and flagged risks from trade tensions and energy price pressures.
PBOC Strengthens Yuan to 6.9025 Amid Global Tensions
The People's Bank of China set the USD/CNY reference rate at 6.9025, a sharp 169-pip drop from 6.9194, signaling robust yuan appreciation. This move, far exceeding Reuters estimates of 6.8858, underscores Beijing's strategic currency pivot as Middle East risks and oil dynamics intensify.
Eurosystem Unveils Comprehensive Strategy to Reshape European Payments
The Eurosystem published a sweeping payments strategy today that positions central bank money as the foundation for Europe's digital future while embracing tokenisation and distributed ledger technology.
PBOC Weakens Yuan Fix to 6.9223 Amid Dollar Strength
China's central bank set the USD/CNY reference rate at 6.9223 for Monday, up from 6.9141, signaling tolerance for yuan depreciation pressures. The adjustment highlights Beijing's balancing act between currency stability and global market forces.
ECB's Villeroy Signals Readiness to Tighten, But Resists Rate-Hike Timeline
The European Central Bank is prepared to act against energy-driven inflation but remains cautious about committing to specific rate-hike timing, with markets pricing three increases by year-end.
ECB's Lane Warns 2026 Differs from 2022 Inflation Shock
ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane stresses 2026's softer labor markets and absent reopening effects set it apart from 2022, outlining vigilant policy scenarios amid Middle East energy turmoil without pre-emptive tightening. He calls for targeted fiscal aid to shield vulnerable households. (187 char...
Bank of Israel Holds Policy Rate at 4.00% on Geopolitical and Inflation Risks
Israel's Monetary Committee voted unanimously to hold at 4.00%, citing an Iran conflict-driven oil price spike and inflation risks, with the next decision due 25 May.