Central Banks
Monetary policy decisions, interest rate changes, and central bank communications worldwide.
Banxico Cuts Mexico's Overnight Rate by 25 Basis Points to 6.75% in Surprise Split Vote
Banco de México cut its overnight rate to 6.75% in a 3-2 split vote on 26 March, citing weak growth even as core inflation remained close to 4.5%.
South Africa's SARB Holds Rates Steady Amid Middle East Crisis
Governor Lesetja Kganyago kept the repo rate at 6.75% as geopolitical tensions and surging oil prices threaten to derail inflation progress, postponing rate cuts previously expected in January.
Central Bank of Egypt Holds Overnight Rates at 19% Amid Persistent Inflation Risks
Egypt's MPC kept its overnight deposit rate at 19% and lending rate at 20%, citing upward domestic and global inflation risks after a 100bp cut in February.
PBOC Sticks to Accommodative Policy for China's Growth
People's Bank of China Governor Pan Gongsheng vows continued accommodative monetary policy to bolster high-quality development, deploying tools like reserve cuts and MLF injections amid yuan stability efforts. Recent 500b-yuan liquidity operation underscores commitment to financial steadiness.
Saudi Central Bank Holds Repo Rate at 4.25% as It Monitors Federal Reserve Policy Path
SAMA kept its repo rate at 4.25% and reverse repo at 3.75%, awaiting Federal Reserve guidance before adjusting under the riyal's long-standing dollar peg.
Papua New Guinea Central Bank Keeps Kina Rate at 5%
Bank of Papua New Guinea holds Kina Facility Rate steady at 5.0% amid robust growth and contained inflation, while business confidence hits eight-year high on easing FX woes. Decision balances global risks with domestic optimism tied to LNG prospects.
China's Big Banks Eye Profit Rebound on $8T Deposit Reset
China's top state-owned banks stand to recover profits in 2026 as nearly $8 trillion in high-cost time deposits mature and reprice lower, easing funding pressures amid economic headwinds. Analysts forecast net interest margin gains of 12 basis points, lifting three major lenders' earnings 2.3%-3.3%.
China's PBOC Launches Third 2026 Central Bank Bill Batch
The People's Bank of China has issued its third batch of central bank bills for 2026, totaling RMB 60 billion in six-month fixed-rate bonds via Dutch auction. This move signals steady liquidity management amid global tensions and domestic economic pressures.
ECB's De Guindos Flags Inflation Watch Amid Middle East War
ECB Vice-President Luis de Guindos warns of intense Middle East war impacts on euro area inflation and growth, stressing vigilance on expectations and prices ahead of April decisions. Rate hikes now more likely than cuts as the bank stays data-dependent.
ECB Wage Tracker Signals Easing Pressures to 2.3% in 2026
The ECB's latest wage tracker shows negotiated wage growth with smoothed one-off payments at 3.2% for 2025 and 2.3% for 2026, with forward-looking data stabilizing around 2.6% by year-end. This moderation offers relief amid persistent inflation worries tied to Middle East tensions.
China's PBOC Vows Loose Policy to Bolster Growth
PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng pledged a moderately loose monetary policy at the China Development Forum, using tools like reserve ratios and interest rates to ensure ample liquidity amid RMB appreciation. The stance aims to support economic recovery and invite foreign investment. (187 characters)
Sub-Saharan Central Banks Adopt Hawkish Holds Amid Inflation Surge
Central banks in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana signal firm rate holds as oil shocks from the Hormuz crisis push inflation higher, with markets pricing in hikes across emerging Africa. Policymakers prioritize price stability over growth in a volatile energy landscape.