Euro zone Inflation outlook 2016

Jan 21, 2016 21:23 pm UTC| Commentary

ECBs easing is dependent on incoming economic data with the inflation development being crucial. Market anticipates 0.9pp increase in headline inflation over the next two months, while core inflation is also expected to be...

Emerging Market Crisis Series

Currency War Series

Brazil decision to keep rates on hold raises questions of independence

Jan 21, 2016 18:01 pm UTC| Commentary Central Banks

Banco Central do Brasil (BCB) surprisingly left rates unchanged at 14.25% at yesterdays monetary policy meeting. The expectation had been for a rate hike of 50bp. The decision raises questions regarding the central banks...

Oil in Global Economy Series

OPEC countries optimistic on oil market balance

Jan 21, 2016 16:20 pm UTC| Commentary

Oil prices (both Brent and WTI) have been trading below $30 a barrel. The price of oil has dipped to levels that it favors more for buyers than for sellers. The rationale being that oil producers will definitely put a cap...

RUB slumps on Russian officials' irresponsible comments

Jan 21, 2016 15:31 pm UTC| Commentary

Oil price is currently the most important driver for the Russian currency, but the cause behind yesterdays ruble weakness was rather irresponsible comments by Russian officials. USD/RUB breached the 80 mark and closed at...

China Crisis Series

PBoC's massive cash injection signaling reduced RRR cuts?

Jan 21, 2016 15:03 pm UTC| Commentary Central Banks

In todays money market activity, the PBOC injected 290 bn yuan through 28 day reverse repos and 110 bn yuan through 7-day reverse repos, the largest seen in 3 years. Could we consider this as a signal that the central bank...

BOJ's Monetary Policy - Negative Interest Rates or QE Expansion?

Jan 21, 2016 14:35 pm UTC| Commentary Central Banks

The BOJ has kept monetary policy steady since expanding its massive stimulus programme in October 2014. But concerns about inflation moving further away from its 2 percent target on account of falling oil prices is raising...

Bank Negara Malaysia likely to maintain a moderately dovish stance

Jan 21, 2016 12:27 pm UTC| Commentary Central Banks

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) kept the policy rate unchanged at 3.25 percent, in line with the consensus. However, to ensure sufficient liquidity in the financial system the central bank reduced the statutory reserve...