Central Banks
Switzerland's SNB Keeps Rates at 0% Amid Global Tightening
Switzerland's central bank defies global rate hikes, but markets expect a move by early 2027. The Swiss franc's strength and unique economic factors help keep inflation low.
ECB Chief Economist Sees No Major Wage Pressure Despite Rising Inflation
Philip Lane says inflation exceeding 3% is not being transmitted into pay demands, as firms cite Chinese competition and automation as reasons to hold wages steady.
UAE central bank bans Iran's Bank Melli from all transactions
The UAE's central bank has prohibited Iran's state‑owned Bank Melli from conducting any financial activity in the Emirates, citing violations of anti‑money‑laundering, terrorism‑financing and weapons‑proliferation laws.
Swiss Central Bank May Raise Rates as Inflation Outlook Improves: Swiss Life
Chief economist Marc Brütsch says the SNB could lift its policy rate from zero, while jobless recovery and AI-driven labor shifts shape the economic outlook.
Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin comments on firming activity and inflation pressures
Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin said economic activity is firming while inflation pressures persist.
Fed's Barr Cites Tariffs, Geopolitics, and AI Demand as Inflation Drivers
Governor Michael S. Barr said the FOMC increased the policy rate last week and further adjustments may be needed as shelter costs and broader inflation remain elevated.
Richmond Fed President Barkin says economy may be firming, inflation not limited to energy and tariff shocks
Richmond Fed President Barkin said the economy may be firming while inflation remains broader than just energy and tariff shocks.
European Central Bank raises interest rates by 25 basis points amid inflation concerns fueled by the Iran war and oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel
The European Central Bank increased its key interest rate by 25 basis points, citing inflation worries linked to the Iran conflict and oil prices above $100 a barrel.
ECB opens merchant applications for 2027 digital euro pilot
The European Central Bank is inviting e-commerce and mobile-commerce operators in the euro area to apply by Oct. 27 for a 12-month beta pilot starting in the second half of 2027.
ECB's Kazaks says case for more monetary tightening is building
The ECB policymaker signaled that conditions are shifting in favor of additional rate increases.
Fed Vice Chair Philip Jefferson says discount window enhancements support market liquidity
Federal Reserve Vice Chair Philip Jefferson noted that recent discount window enhancements are intended to support market liquidity.
Deutsche Bank forecasts two BoE rate hikes in November and February as inflation eases
The bank shifted from expecting no further increases to projecting two quarter‑point rises, citing the September MPC minutes that showed waning tolerance for elevated inflation and limited second‑round effects. It notes the moves would be insurance hikes, with rates still guided by energy prices and a Taylor Rule estimate just above 4%.
St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem says further rate hikes may be needed to quell inflation
St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem said additional rate hikes may be required to curb inflation driven by strong demand and a commodity price shock.
ECB raises benchmark interest rate to 2.5% to combat inflation from Middle East conflict
The European Central Bank increased its benchmark rate to 2.5 percent, citing inflation pressures linked to the Middle East conflict.
ECB's Panetta: AI gain distribution will shape inflation dynamics
Fabio Panetta warned that whether artificial intelligence boosts demand through new tasks or suppresses it via automation will determine the timing and magnitude of inflationary or disinflationary pressures.
Saudi Arabia withdraws from mBridge CBDC project after proof of concept
SAMA ended participation in a China-led cross-border digital currency initiative following a successful pilot in May 2025, marking an exit from a BIS-backed platform designed for central bank digital currency transactions.
SNB Releases Key Monetary Policy Statistics on September 21, 2026
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) published updated economic and monetary policy data, including liquidity and foreign exchange reserves metrics, on September 21, 2026.
Federal Reserve Raises Target Rate to 3.75%-4% With 25-Point Hike
The Federal Reserve increased its federal funds target range by 25 basis points to 3.75%-4%, according to the primary announcement dated Sept. 16.
U.S. Treasury Yields Cross 5% as Fed Raises Rates for First Time in Three Years
BlackRock sees AI-driven financing demands of nearly $8 trillion annually by 2030 and a structurally steeper yield curve lifting the cost of capital.
Weidmann Warns EU Against Over-Reliance on Large Banks
Jens Weidmann, former Bundesbank president and ECB board member, urged Europe to prioritize banks with sustainable business models over sheer size, amid concerns over debt and regulatory burdens.
European Stocks Slide After ECB Lifts Rates to Highest Since April 2025
STOXX 600 fell 0.7% as the European Central Bank raised its deposit rate by 25 basis points to 2.50%, while Brent crude breached $100 a barrel amid surging eurozone inflation.
SNB Faces Rising Risk of Earlier Rate Hike Amid Rising Swiss Inflation
UBS and other economists now assess a higher likelihood of the Swiss National Bank raising rates sooner than previously expected, driven by inflation pressures and geopolitical risks.
Federal Reserve faces an upcoming interest rate decision and messaging challenge under Chairman Kevin Warsh
The Federal Reserve is preparing for an upcoming rate decision while confronting a messaging challenge under Chairman Kevin Warsh.
Wall Street week shaped by Federal Reserve rate path, oil prices, and AI concerns
The upcoming week on Wall Street is set to be influenced by the Federal Reserve's interest-rate trajectory, oil price movements, and developments in artificial intelligence.
