RBA Minutes Signal Growing Caution on Future Rate Cuts Amid Persistent Inflation 
Tech Stocks Lift S&P 500 as Fed Rate-Cut Expectations Rise 
BOJ’s Noguchi Calls for Cautious, Gradual Interest Rate Hikes to Sustain Inflation Goals 
RBNZ Cuts Interest Rates Again as Inflation Cools and Recovery Remains Fragile 
BOJ Governor Ueda and PM Takaichi Set for Key Meeting Amid Yen Slide and Rate-Hike Debate 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
BOK Expected to Hold Rates at 2.50% as Housing and Currency Pressures Persist 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
RBA Signals Possible Rate Implications as Inflation Proves More Persistent 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Trump Administration Plans Major Rollback of Biden-Era Fuel Economy Standards 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
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.
