February
Bank of England cuts key UK interest rate to 4.5pc
The latest reduction reflects some concern about the outlook for the British economy, which has barely grown over the past six months.
January
UK treasurer flies to China as Britain braces for more market turmoil
Rachel Reeves was criticised for being “missing in action” in parliament question time as she flew to Beijing for meetings with communist officials and businesses.
December 2024
Bank of England pauses rate cuts as inflation picks up
The BoE did not join its rate-cutting peers in the US and Europe because, despite a flatlining economy, prices and wages have gathered pace.
November 2024
Bank of England cuts interest rates again, keeps counsel on Trump
The BoE boss warned that the inflation fight wasn’t won, and said it was too early to tell how Trump’s presidency might shift the global economy.
ASX to rise as US election decider and Fed’s second act grip markets
Futures indicate the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 Index will open 0.4 per cent higher on Monday as investors expected the Federal Reserve to deliver a second rate cut.
October 2024
No ‘secrets’ at RBA private briefings
Andrew Hauser dismissed concerns about the RBA holding private discussions with market participants, arguing it must understand what is happening in the economy.
What Tony Abbott taught Liz Truss about handling illegal immigrants
Attempts by the previous British government to thwart people smuggling by deporting illegal immigrants to Rwanda was based on advice by Tony Abbott
September 2024
Did central banks get the inflation crisis right?
Rate-cutting cycles in recent decades – such as in the early 2000s, or during the financial crisis of 2007 – have tended to be associated with steep economic downturns.
Bank of England holds fire on rate cuts after Fed’s bazooka round
Facing less pressure from its economy or jobs market, the BoE is expected to wait until November to unleash a second interest rate cut.
UK inflation steady at 2.2pc leaves door open for more rate cuts
While policymakers are expected to leave rates unchanged at 5 per cent this week, market expectations of further easing have been mounting.
What Taylor Swift and Oasis can teach us about the economy
The music industry’s shift from product to performance foreshadows a widespread move towards intangible assets in the wider economy.
August 2024
Jackson Hole bankers pivot to cuts as soft landing comes into view
Global rate-setters have left the Wyoming symposium cautiously optimistic, but acutely aware of the risks of either cutting rates too soon or leaving it too late.
Jackson Hole gathering reveals fresh concern for central bankers
Officials from three of the world’s major central banks have signalled they are on course to lower interest rates emerging weakness in labour markets and growth become the chief threat for policymakers.
UK inflation rises less than expected, raising rate hopes
Services inflation, the Bank of England’s key measure of domestic price pressures, declines more than expected.
Stop telling us what to do with interest rates: RBA deputy
Economists and politicians have accused the Reserve Bank of hypocrisy after deputy governor Andrew Hauser labelled economic commentators overconfident “false prophets”.
Central banks need true transparency not fake consensus
The Bank of England isn’t afraid to advertise its differences. That is better for creating trust than the obsession with a united front at the US Fed.
RBA must say no to the Recessionistas out there
The Reserve Bank is taking its dual mandate seriously and seems to be ignoring the incessant clamouring for another rise in the cash rate.
Worst day for ASX since SVB crisis as US recession fears surge
Australian shares ended their worst session in more than a year on Friday after fears of a hard economic landing returned in droves in the US overnight.
Election timing no longer swings on an elusive rate cut
The government is at the mercy of the Reserve Bank. But the central bank is also subject to forces beyond its control.
July 2024
Wave of shipping inflation could complicate rate cuts, economists warn
Economists are sounding the alarm on the impact of surging shipping costs on the global fight against inflation.