Europe Economics Update SNB set to cut rates next year The Swiss National Bank left its target range for three-month interest rates unchanged at a mid-point of 2.75%. But with the economic slowdown set to intensify and inflation on course to return to... 18th September 2008 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update ECB set to disappoint markets in the near term Interest rate expectations in the euro-zone have fallen sharply along with those elsewhere in recent weeks and are now pricing in a strong chance of an ECB rate cut this year. While we think that talk... 17th September 2008 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update China shifts stance with surprise rate cut Today’s unexpected rate cut in China is intended as a sign that the government is willing to act preemptively to guarantee continued strong economic growth. But there will also be suspicions that the... 15th September 2008 · 1 min read
China Economics Update China shifts stance with surprise rate cut Today’s unexpected rate cut in China is intended as a sign that the government is willing to act preemptively to guarantee continued strong economic growth. But there will also be suspicions that the... 15th September 2008 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Korean rates will fall soon despite hawkish statement Today’s decision by the Bank of Korea (BoK) to keep interest rates at 5.25% (after last month’s 25 basis points hike) was accompanied by a relatively hawkish policy statement. But we still expect the... 11th September 2008 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update ECB still fretting over inflation outlook The European Central Bank’s hawkish tone at today’s press conference confirmed that interest rate cuts are not yet on the agenda. But we still expect slowing activity and falling energy inflation to... 4th September 2008 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update Riksbank signals that interest rates have peaked The decision by the Riksbank to raise interest rates from 4.50% to 4.75% clearly shows that it remains concerned about the emergence of ”second-round inflation” effects. But while the Bank did signal... 4th September 2008 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update MPC to start cutting soon Lingering inflation concerns kept the Monetary Policy Committee’s finger off the interest rate trigger again today. But it is only a matter of time before it is forced to respond to the rapidly... 4th September 2008 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update MPC to start cutting soon Lingering inflation concerns kept the Monetary Policy Committee’s finger off the interest rate trigger again today. But it is only a matter of time before it is forced to respond to the rapidly... 4th September 2008 · 1 min read
Nordic & Swiss Economics Update Riksbank signals that interest rates have peaked The decision by the Riksbank to raise interest rates from 4.50% to 4.75% clearly shows that it remains concerned about the emergence of ”second-round inflation” effects. But while the Bank did signal... 4th September 2008 · 1 min read
Europe Economics Update ECB unlikely to rip up the lending rulebook Thursday’s ECB press conference provides the Bank with a chance to provide greater details about any proposed changes to its collateral requirements for lending in its open market operations. While we... 3rd September 2008 · 1 min read
UK Economics Update Sterling’s tumble won’t stop interest rates falling The pound’s recent sharp fall is good news for the future prospects of the UK’s exporters. But it won’t prevent the Monetary Policy Committee from having to cut interest rates aggressively in response... 2nd September 2008 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Further Australian rate cuts to be slow in coming Today’s 25bp rate cut to 7.0% confirms the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA’s) shift in focus from inflation towards growth concerns. The RBA had previously been one of the most hawkish central banks... 2nd September 2008 · 1 min read
ECB Watch Staff forecasts to highlight weaker growth prospects Mounting evidence of a sharp slowdown in eurozone economic activity has caused the chances of another interest rate hike to evaporate. But the ECB is still deeply concerned about upside risks to... 28th August 2008 · 1 min read
BoE Watch Next rate cut edges closer The interest rate debate remains finely balanced, with lingering upside risks to inflation likely to keep interest rates on hold in September. However, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) appears to... 28th August 2008 · 1 min read
