Belgians Proud of PM Taking First EU Presidency Nov 21, 2009
During the 2007 government crisis, central bank governor Guy Quaden warned of an extra budget deficit from the stalemate and made investors attach up to 10 points of premium for Belgian 10 year bonds over German bunds. The spread is currently 38. (Newsmax)
Ron Paul: Voters Deserve a Transparent Fed Nov 21, 2009
A U.S. congressional panel on Thursday approved a measure to open the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions to government audits, a surprise blow to the central bank's efforts to shield its independence and a signal of frustration with the central bank. 2009 Newsmax. (Newsmax)
DAX Index Declines for Second Day as Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank Retreat Nov 21, 2009
Nov. 20 (Bloomberg) -- fell for a second day, erasing their weekly advance, after European Central Bank President said the ECB will gradually withdraw emergency cash. Deutsche Bank AG declined 2. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
German Government Bonds Set for Weekly Gain on View Stocks Rally May Stall Nov 21, 2009
Traders reduced bets this month on an increase in interest rates by the European Central Bank, with the yield on the Euribor futures contract expiring in June sliding to 1. 12 percent today, from 1. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
2010 WC: Antar Yahia sends Algeria to the World CupSudanese women seek int'l support over repressive laws against themUN envoy visits Sudan to assess status of child soldiersBADEA DG arrives Congo UNICEF lauds Somalia for ratifying children's right conventionEU to train 2,000 Somali soldiersIMO pledges support to avert piracy off Somali coastSomalian prime minister to visit Brussels France grants WFP 1.5 mln euros for food aid in DRC7 journalists killed in three years in DR CongoUNDP, France to build hostels for trainee police officers in DRCWorld Club: TP Mazembe starts against Pohang Steelers Ivorian Prime Minister urges mutinous soldiers to remain calmGbagbo: "Whoever delays Ivorian elections is a criminal"Gbagbo reaffirms his desire for Ivorian peaceGbagbo signs Ivorian amnesty law ON THE WIRE Abacha loot, MPs rivalry, soccer mixed grill dominate Nigerian papersLagos, Nigeria (PANA) - The seizure of the stolen money and assets belonging tothe family of the former Nigerian militaryruler Sani Abacha, the rivalry rocking the two chambers of the National Assembly, qualification for South Africa 2010 as wellas the loss of the FIFA under-17 World Cup at home made interesting reading in Nigerian newspapers during the past one week. 21/11/2009 Full Text... Nov 21, 2009
2 billion from the Nigerian central bank between his coming to power in November 1993 and his death four-and-a-half years later. Some US$700 million of his loot, which was stashed in Swiss banks, have been ret urned by Switzerland to Nigerian authorities. (Panapress.com)
U.S. Stocks Join Global Retreat as Dell, Horton Shares Fall; Dollar Climbs Nov 21, 2009
Nov. 20 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. stocks fell, joining a global retreat, as earnings at Dell Inc. and D.R. Horton Inc. trailed analysts estimates and concern grew that European Central Bank policy makers will phase out economic stimulus measures ... European stocks slipped as ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet said the central bank will remove liquidity in order to ensure the bank doesnt fuel inflation. (Bloomberg -- US)
Dollar Strengthens as Equities Drop, Investors Buy Short-Term Treasuries Nov 21, 2009
The nation is passive on the value of the dollar, the central banks Governor said at a forum in Beijing today, signaling policy makers arent yet prepared to loosen controls on the yuan ... Fed Chairman said in a New York speech this week that the central bank is attentive to changes in the dollars value and will help ensure that the dollar is strong ... 6117 as labor unions, politicians and the central bank raised concern that its 25 percent rally this year was harming... (Bloomberg -- US)
Malaysia issues China's ICBC local banking licence Nov 21, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. (and) is therefore part of a very limited number of banking licences that Malaysia may issue from time to time under a bilateral arrangement. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Australia executives suspended over banknote probe Nov 21, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. has asked the managing director and the company secretary to stand aside from their positions while investigations continue. (Channelnewsasia.com)
ECB Tightens Collateral Rules in Step Toward Unwinding Emergency Measures Nov 21, 2009
The bank will require at least two ratings from an accepted external assessment institution for all asset- backed securities issued from March 1, 2010, the Frankfurt-based central bank said today in an e-mailed. In January, the ECB said it required a rating from one credit assessor. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
Central Bank buys failed Florida bank Nov 21, 2009
Central Bank of Stillwater buys failed Florida bank; fourth deal this year - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal ... Central Bank of Stillwater buys failed Florida bank; fourth deal this year ... 7 million in deposits to Central Bank. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
* Deflation issue for Japan: minister Nov 21, 2009
Japans central bank announced yesterday that it was leaving its key interest rate unchanged at 0 ... Japans deputy prime minister said yesterday that the government would convey its worries about falling prices to the central bank ... The central bank has predicted three straight years of falling consumer prices but has played down the risk of another full-blown deflationary spiral. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
* Business Briefs Nov 21, 2009
Meanwhile, the central bank said yesterday that the NT dollar has strengthened against the South Korean won, adding that the two economies compete with one another for exports. The NT dollar has gained 24 percent since the end of 2007 versus the won and is up 48 percent since 1986, the central bank said in an e-mailed statement ... Central bank Governor Perng Fai-nan (^an) said on Thursday that policy makers will step in if irregular factors cause excessive currency volatility. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
* Taiwan posts Q3 increase in current account surplus Nov 21, 2009
Taiwan posted a bigger current account surplus in the third quarter from a year earlier largely because of a rise in net exports (exports minus imports), central bank data showed yesterday ... 18 billion or an increase of 300 percent from the same period last year, the central bank said ... 64 billion, central bank tallies showed. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Japan's Latest Economic Ailment: Deflation Nov 21, 2009
So far, Japan's central bank has dismissed the possibility the country could enter a deflationary death spiral. On Friday, the Bank of Japan upgraded its outlook for the Japanese economy and left interest rates at 0. (Time.com)
Asia's Stocks Post Biggest Decline in Three Weeks Amid Japan Share Sales Nov 21, 2009
3 percent this year and recommended the central bank buying more government bonds to grapple with deflation. Interest Rates Near Zero. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Asian Currencies Drop Amid Capital Controls Risk, Led by Indonesian Rupiah Nov 21, 2009
The Indonesian central bank is studying the possibility of limiting foreign holdings of Bank Indonesias bills, Senior Deputy Governor Darmin Nasution said Nov. 19 ... Taiwans dollar dropped for a third day yesterday, its longest losing streak of the month, after the central bank said it will intervene if irregular factors cause excessive currency volatility ... Taiwan has seen a decline in the amount of speculative capital from overseas sitting in the islands banks, Central Bank... (Bloomberg -- Asia)
China Sidesteps Yuan Criticism as Zhou Says Government Passive on Dollar Nov 21, 2009
Nov. 20 (Bloomberg) -- China is passive on the value of the U.S. dollar, central bank Governor said, signaling that policy makers arent yet prepared to loosen controls on the yuan. Its like watching a tournament, Zhou said at the BusinessWeek CEO Forum in Beijing today. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Malaysian Economy Shrinks Less Than Estimated as Asia Recovery Strengthens Nov 21, 2009
9 percent in the previous three months, the central bank said in Kuala Lumpur yesterday ... Malaysia has a high degree of confidence that its economy will grow in the fourth quarter, central bank Governor said yesterday. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
China Should Keep New Bank Loans Above $1 Trillion to Help Boost Economy Nov 21, 2009
The central bank has said inflation expectations are rising as the economy recovers. . (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Congress Lashes Out at Obama on Economy Nov 21, 2009
The amendment, which won bipartisan support in the House Financial Services Committee despite the reservations of administration officials, would allow the Government Accountability Office to audit all of the Fed's operations, including its decisions on interest rates and its transactions with foreign central banks ... Federal officials and many private economists worry that the amendment could make future central bank policymakers reluctant to take unpopular steps to prevent inflation or... (CBS News -- US)
EU Picks Unknowns for Top Two Jobs Nov 21, 2009
His training in economics was followed by a stint at the Belgian central bank in the early 1970s, before taking over the leadership of the Flemish Christian Democrat party (1988-93). Mr Van Rompuy then served as minister of budget (1993-99), and subsequently took over as leader of lower house of the Belgian parliament in 2007. (BusinessWeek)
Stocks Slip on Dell Earnings Nov 21, 2009
Sentiment was also hurt by comments from European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet indicating a willingness to remove stimulus measures. Trading was sluggish amid talk about an equities correction after the market's lengthy rally, says. (BusinessWeek)
Australia executives suspended over banknote probe Nov 21, 2009
Two executives at a banknote-making firm part-owned by Australia's central bank have been suspended over a police probe into alleged bribery and kickbacks, officials said. The managing director and company secretary of Securency, in which the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has a 50 percent stake, were stood down Friday pending police inquiries, said board chairman Bob Rankin. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
US Fed officials step up asset bubble-watch Nov 21, 2009
The central bank's monitoring takes on renewed urgency as Chairman Ben S. Bernanke's pledge to keep the benchmark interest rate near zero for ``an extended period'' is helping to fuel a surge in assets ... The Fed is already under pressure from Dodd, chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, who proposed legislation Nov. 10 to strip the central bank of its supervisory authority ... Tarullo, President Barack Obama's first appointee to the central bank, is making greater use of so-called... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Oil eases on stronger greenback Nov 21, 2009
Stocks and equity futures retreated after European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet said policy makers will withdraw emergency cash gradually to avoid fueling inflation. We will take oil prices down another notch because of the strengthening US dollar,'' said Jim Ritterbusch, president of Ritterbusch & Associates, a Galena, Illinois, consultant. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Dodd: Bernanke confirmation 'not necessarily' a foregone conclusion Nov 21, 2009
President Barack Obama nominated him to a second term as head of the central bank in August and Dodd a vote on the nomination by year's end. Hearings on his nomination are slated to begin soon. (TheHill.com)
Pime rate reduced to 18 per cent Nov 21, 2009
Mr. Amissah-Arthur, who is also Governor of the Central Bank, said indications were that inflation would continue to ease and fall within the upper part of the target range of 14. 5 per cent to 17. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Zimbabwe: Talks Deadline Lapses Without Any Progress Nov 21, 2009
Tsvangirai and Mugabe have disagreed on the appointment of key government officials such as the central bank governor and the attorney-general and provincial governors. "I am taking the opportunity of being in the [North Africa] region to meet the chairman of the AU about the developments in the country and what progress we are making," Tsvangirai told reporters at Harare International Airport before his departure. (allAfrica.com)
ECB slows emergency cash support Nov 21, 2009
The European Central Bank (ECB) will scale back its liquidity measures for fear of fuelling inflation ... The central bank governor said he was keen to make sure the private sector does not become dependent on government, or central bank support. (BBC News -- Business)
BoJ upgrades view on economy Nov 21, 2009
Finance Minister Hirohisa Fujii said yesterday that rises in bond yields could undermine government efforts to help small companies, flagging the same concern he and other government officials used as they pressed the central bank to extend its corporate debt buying beyond December ... While that line appeared to have been inserted to placate a worried government, the central banks decision to upgrade its assessment of the economy yesterday was likely to provoke a strong response ... The report... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Feds Fisher supports dismantling huge banks Nov 21, 2009
Even as the central bank cut interest rates sharply to deal with the crisis, the borrowing costs for banks and consumers actually climbed. Those banks with the greatest toxic asset losses were the quickest to freeze or reduce their lending activity, Fisher said. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Fort Myers' Commerce Southwest fails Nov 21, 2009
The FDIC entered into a loss-sharing agreement with Central Bank on $61 million of those assets. The FDIC estimated that the failure of Commerce Bank of Southwest Florida the 124th bank failure in the nation this year would cost its deposit insurance fund $23. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
Markets end Friday on down note Nov 21, 2009
Stocks continued a downward trend, helped along Friday by a lower-than-expected earnings report from Dell, and comments by European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet. The Dow Industrial Average closed down 14 points to 10,318, the NASDAQ finished down 11 points to 2,146 and the S&P 500 lost 3. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
The other D-word Nov 21, 2009
Some advocate even more radical steps to reflate the economy, such as charging banks to deposit money at the central bank. Proponents of these measures fear that businesses will retrench as prices fall and their debts rise, creating a vicious circle. (The Economist)
Ron Paul Wins Lifelong Fight, Now May Be Forced To Vote Against Everything He Believes Nov 21, 2009
Its an epochal development in the relationship between the government and the countrys quasi-governmental central bank. A man may have convinced Congress to hasten its demise. (Slate)
Senate panel to consider Bernanke nomination Nov 21, 2009
Some lawmakers think the central bank overstepped its bounds by helping some companies and not others and by creating some emergency lending programs for banks to tap ... Dodd, who has been critical of the Fed's failures to spot problems that contributed to the financial crisis, has proposed legislation stripping the central bank of its long-standing authority to regulate banks ... First tapped by President George W. Bush, Bernanke has run the central bank since February 2006. (MSNBC -- Business)
Europe: Drop some financial system crutches Nov 21, 2009
Europe central bank head says system needs to get back on its own feet ... FRANKFURT - Although it is too early to say the crisis is over, it is time to withdraw some of the policy measures that supported the financial system through the credit crunch, the European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet said Friday ... The chief of the central bank for the 330 million citizens across the 16 countries that share the euro said taxpayers wouldn't accept another round of bailouts. (MSNBC -- Business)
Government Says Japan's Economy Is in Deflation for First Time Since 2006 Nov 20, 2009
Nov. 20 (Bloomberg) -- The Japanese government said the worlds second-largest is in deflation for the first time in three years as it presses the central bank to be more aggressive about tackling price declines ... Japanese ministers including Deputy Prime Minister increased pressure on the central bank to tackle earlier ... The comments underscore the governments growing rift with the central bank, which raised its assessment of the economy while keeping its key interest rate at 0. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Two more GA banks under written agreements Nov 20, 2009
-based , parent of Central Bank of Georgia, were both issued written agreements. Under the terms of a written agreement, the companies are restricted from paying dividends, buying/redeeming shares of its stock or accruing additional debt without prior consent of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and banking commissioner of Georgia. (Atlanta Business Chronicle, GA)
Press Release: Statement by an IMF Mission to Mali Nov 20, 2009
5 percent of GDP. The government of Mali is also making good progress in reducing its payment float and domestic arrears, including through credits from the regional central bank that are equivalent in amount to the recent General Allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDR) by the Fund. Structural reforms to improve treasury and budgetary management, support the agricultural sector, and strengthen the banking system are also being implemented satisfactorily. (IMF News)
Press Release: European Commission and IMF Welcome Reaffirmed Commitments of the Largest Foreign Banks in Hungary Nov 20, 2009
The meeting was also attended by the Hungarian financial supervisor, home country supervisors and fiscal authorities, the National Bank of Hungary, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the World Bank Group and the European Central Bank (ECB). The purpose of this meeting was to take stock of the macroeconomic situation and to add specificity to the general commitments made on May 20, 2009 also in Brussels. (IMF News)
Emerging-Market Currency Measures Won't Reverse Gains, Brown Brothers Says Nov 20, 2009
The Indonesian central bank is studying the possibility of limiting foreign holdings of Bank Indonesias bills, central bank Senior Deputy Governor Darmin Nasution said yesterday ... Our own experience of the 1990s shows how, despite imposing capital controls, the exchange rate strengthened significantly, Chilean central bank President told lawmakers March 18. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Santiago Watches Stalled Skyscraper for Clues to Chile's Economic Recovery Nov 20, 2009
1 percent in the third quarter from the previous three months, while continuing to contract year-on-year, the central bank said on Nov. 18. Chiles peso is the worlds best-performing currency in the past month with a 9 percent gain against the dollar. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Chile Peso Volatility to Dive After Best World Gain, Societe Generale Says Nov 20, 2009
Nov. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Societe Generale is recommending investors make bets that the Chilean peso will hover in a narrow range after central bank President said hes considering buying dollars to stem gains in the worlds top-performing currency ... Colombias central bank said it will spend as much as 3 trillion pesos ($1 ... Chiles central bank last stepped into the peso market in April 2008, buying $50 million of U.S. dollars a day after the currency rose to a decade-high of... (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Bovespa Declines on New Tax Concern, Commodity Slide; Real, Bolsa Retreat Nov 20, 2009
Foreign investment fell to about $308 million a day after the IOF tax, compared with $985 million a day for the first 12 business days of the month, the central bank said Nov. 4. The extension of the tax shows that the IOF remains the key instrument to fight the BRL appreciation, and therefore higher (or broader in scope) IOF brackets should not be ruled out, wrote , a Sao Paulo-based economist at JPMorgan Chase & Co.. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Gold soars; dollar sinks Nov 20, 2009
Golds latest advance came as the dollar fell after Federal Reserve officials reiterated that the central bank will keep interest rates low for an extended period to support the economic recovery. Low rates tend to weaken currencies including the dollar, encouraging investors to put their money in higher-yielding assets like gold. (The News-Press -- Business)
Dollar faces short-term gain, mid-term pain Nov 20, 2009
There is no evidence that central bank reserves are being diversified away from US dollars ... US central bank reserves were now three times higher than they were at the start of the decade and US dollar reserves had remained roughly at two thirds of global reserves since the introduction of the euro in 2002. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Bank of Japan defies govt in upbeat outlook Nov 20, 2009
The move came as government officials piled pressure on the central bank to play its part to keep the country from slipping deeper into deflation ... But the government may be spoiling for a fight with the BOJ over more central bank buying of government bonds or even over a return to quantitative easing to get prices rising again ... "From the outside, it may seem like the BOJ is responding to government pressure, but I think people inside the BOJ understand the situation very well. Naoto Kan,... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Japan says deflation has returned Nov 20, 2009
Japan's government is less upbeat than its central bank ... The government's announcement came as the Japanese central bank kept interest rates on hold at 0 ... Keisuke Tsumura, parliamentary secretary of the Cabinet Office, said the government would now work with the central bank to tackle the situation, but that no plans had yet been decided. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Top Eurobank prepares for 'global economic collapse'... Nov 20, 2009
The European Central Bank would do less, for political reasons ... The central banks of the debtor nations will NEVER let that happen on a large scale ... It;s a truth universally acknowledged by MOST normal people and those ;in the know; ; i.e. most financiers and Central bankers throughout world - but DENIED by a certain former Chancellor and former Bank of England Governor (Gordon Brown and Eddie George) for their own political and financial purposes, that gold is the ONLY true and ;ideal;... (The Drudge Report)
Geithner Under Fire on Economy... Nov 20, 2009
Panel Votes for Tighter Political Rein on Central Bank; Some Call for Geithner to Quit ... The vote was the latest blow to the central bank, which has been become a lightning rod for politicians responding to popular anger that Wall Street was bailed out while the public wasn't ... Mr. Paul maintained that his amendment wouldn't hinder monetary policy, but instead remove a veil of secrecy at the central bank that's unique within U.S. government. (The Drudge Report)
Japan maintains super-low interest rates Nov 20, 2009
Japan's central bank left its super-low interest rates unchanged on Friday as the government declared for the first time in more than three years that Asia's biggest economy is in a phase of deflation ... The central bank, which has predicted three straight years of falling consumer prices, left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0 ... Japan's deputy prime minister said the government would convey its worries about falling prices to the central bank. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Asia Considers Capital Controls as `Hot Money' Inflows Threaten Recovery Nov 20, 2009
If Asian central banks act on these concerns, it will have important implications for currencies in the region and may slow or put a break on the sharp appreciation trend that has been in place ... In Indonesia, the central bank is seriously studying the option of limiting foreign fund inflows into its short-term bills, Senior Deputy Governor said yesterday ... Taiwan central bank Governor on Oct. 14 expressed concern foreign investors have about NT$500 billion ($15. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Bank resumes sales of mortgage debt Nov 20, 2009
Most investors paid cash for the Ohio-based company s debt rather than take loans from the Fed, according to data from the central bank. In addition to mortgages, the Bank of America bond is backed by fiber optic cable leases and other assets, said the people, who declined to be identified because terms are private. (Boston Globe)
Gross Says China Has Own Bubble to Face as Exports Fail to Find Consumers Nov 20, 2009
4 percent in October from a year earlier, according to the central bank ... China is among the emerging markets facing risks of property and commodity market bubbles, central bank adviser said the same day ... The heavy lifting will likely be done first by other central banks such as those in Australia and Norway that have already begun to increase interest rates, Gross wrote. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Malaysia's Economic Slump Probably Eased Last Quarter on Exports, Stimulus Nov 20, 2009
The central bank will release the economic report at 6 p.m. today ... Malaysias third-quarter economic performance was definitely a significant improvement from the second quarter, and the fourth quarter we have a very high degree of confidence that it will be positive, central bank Governor said last week. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Australia Should Increase Interest Rates as Growth Accelerates, OECD Says Nov 20, 2009
Nov. 20 (Bloomberg) -- Australias central bank should continue to lead the world in as its economic growth outpaces most other countries, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said ... Higher household confidence and iron ore exports to China will prompt central bank Governor to raise borrowing costs in December by a quarter percentage point for a record third month to 3. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
Fed Sees Little Risk of Inflation in Weak Economy Nov 20, 2009
The U.S. central bank slashed interest rates to near zero last December and has kept them there since to foster recovery from the deepest recession since the 1930s. After their last meeting on November 3-4, Fed policymakers reiterated a pledge to keep rates extraordinarily low for an extended period. (ABC News -- Wire)
US Panel Sets Fees for Big Firms, Aims to Slow Fed Nov 20, 2009
Taking aim at Wall Street and the U.S. central bank, an important House committee voted Thursday to assess fees on large financial firms to pay for the failure of their peers and to require a sweeping congressional audit of the secretive Federal Reserve ... They illustrated the strong sentiment in Congress to curb the central bank's power and assure voters that taxpayers will not lose money in future Wall Street failures. (ABC News -- Wire)
Norzila is Bank Negara assistant governor Nov 20, 2009
In a statement yesterday, the central bank said Norzila would be responsible for the investment operations and financial market department and the foreign exchange administration department. Prior to her appointment, Norzila was the director of the investment operations and financial market department, a position she held since 2006. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
* Business Briefs Nov 20, 2009
The central bank will step in if irregular factors cause excessive currency volatility, Governor Perng Fai-nan (^an) said yesterday ... The central bank bought the greenback to slow the local currencys gains on Tuesday after the NT dollar rose to the highest level in more than a month, two traders familiar with the banks operations said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
* Perng warns on currency speculation Nov 20, 2009
HEATED MARKETS: The central bank chief said the amount of idle capital remained high and cautioned against using the funds to drive up the local property prices By Joyce Huang STAFF REPORTER Friday, Nov 20, 2009, Page 12 ... X Perng Fai-nan, central bank governor ... Central bank Governor Perng Fai-nan (^an) yesterday said he suspected that about NT$300 billion (US$9. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
* Standard forecasts a U-shaped recovery Nov 20, 2009
Given the forecast relatively weaker recovery in Taiwans economy, it would be a necessary approach for Taiwans central bank to keep its loose monetary policy to help drive economic growth, Phoo said. The nations central bank may extend its long-drawn loose monetary policy in the next few quarters by keeping the key rediscount rate at a record low of 1. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Woodside Says Pluto LNG Costs May Jump $1 Billion as Labor Expenses Rise Nov 20, 2009
Australias resources has made central bank Governor concerned that a two-speed economy is emerging, with unemployment falling in the mining and energy rich states of Western Australia and Queensland, while increasing in New South Wales, the most populous state. Western Australias jobless rate fell last month to 5 percent from 5. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
