Oil Prices Rebound in Asia as Venezuela Sanctions Risks Offset Ukraine Peace Hopes 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
Brazil Holds Selic Rate at 15% as Inflation Expectations Stay Elevated 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
Bank of Korea Holds Interest Rates Steady as Weak Won Limits Policy Flexibility 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
Canada Stocks Steady as Markets Await Fed and BoC Decisions 
Indonesia–U.S. Tariff Talks Near Completion as Both Sides Push for Year-End Deal 
Japan’s Rising Inflation Strengthens Case for a Near-Term BOJ Rate Hike 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Third Straight Week as Rate Cut Expectations Boost Euro and Pound 
Australia’s Labour Market Weakens as November Employment Drops Sharply 
Asian Currencies Steady as Fed Delivers Hawkish Rate Cut; Aussie and Rupee Under Pressure 
New Zealand is preparing to name a woman as the next governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ), marking the first time the nation’s central bank will be led by a female chief. According to a Bloomberg report, the government could announce the appointment as early as Wednesday, with the candidate potentially coming from overseas.
The Ministry of Finance and the RBNZ both declined to comment on the report. If confirmed, the new governor will assume office toward the end of the year, after the October 8 interest rate decision.
The news has surprised many observers, as most speculation had focused on local candidates such as interim governor and deputy Christian Hawkesby, who has led the RBNZ since March following Adrian Orr’s abrupt resignation, and Auckland economics professor Prasanna Gai, a member of the Monetary Policy Committee.
Adrian Orr stepped down after a public clash with the government over steep budget cuts imposed on the central bank. Known for his unconventional style, Orr frequently drew attention for surprising monetary policy moves that sometimes unsettled markets. His repeated disputes with Finance Minister Nicola Willis added to the tensions leading to his departure.
Hawkesby was appointed to fill the vacancy for a six-month term while the government searched for a permanent replacement. Despite expectations that he or another local candidate would secure the role, Bloomberg’s report indicates the government is prepared to make a historic choice by selecting the first female governor—possibly a foreigner—to lead the RBNZ.
Such an appointment would mark a milestone for gender representation in global central banking and signal a new era of leadership for New Zealand’s monetary policy.
