monetary policy

Turkish markets are focused on an October agenda dominated by central bank interest rate decisions and S&P's latest assessment of Turkey's creditworthiness. The rating review and policy moves are expected to shape the lira, bonds and equities in the coming weeks, with investors watching closely for signals on the direction of monetary policy.

The Swiss franc has fallen in value as expectations build that central banks outside Switzerland may raise interest rates, narrowing the appeal of the franc as a safe-haven currency. The move, reported by the Wall Street Journal, signals shifting expectations in currency markets about the relative path of monetary policy between Switzerland and other major economies.

The South African Reserve Bank has appointed Ruch as the seventh member of its Monetary Policy Committee, expanding the panel that sets the country's interest rates. The move changes the composition of the committee that decides monetary policy for Africa's most industrialised economy, and is drawing attention from markets watching the direction of South African rate decisions.

The likelihood of the US Federal Reserve raising interest rates again in October has fallen sharply. Observers say the Fed will likely keep monitoring the effects of its previous tightening measures before deciding on further moves. Markets and investors are watching closely, with the development also drawing attention from cryptocurrency commentators sensitive to US monetary policy.

Caribbean central banks are reportedly stepping away from central bank digital currencies in favour of fast payment systems, according to Global Finance Magazine. The shift suggests regional monetary authorities now see real-time payment infrastructure as a more practical way to expand financial access than issuing digital currencies. No details on which countries are involved were given.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is preparing for a potentially severe 'Godzilla' El Niño event that threatens to drive up food prices and complicate the country's inflation outlook. Officials are weighing how drought damage to agriculture could feed into inflation and affect monetary policy decisions in the months ahead.

The European Central Bank has released its euro area bank interest rate statistics for August 2026. The monthly publication covers deposit and lending rates applied by euro area banks, data closely watched by economists and markets for signs of how ECB policy decisions are passing through to households and businesses. The figures arrive amid ongoing attention to the interest rate environment across the eurozone.

Switzerland's inflation rate has climbed to its highest level in two years, driven mainly by rising energy costs. The increase marks a notable shift for a country long known for low and stable prices, and it puts fresh attention on energy prices and their knock-on effects for households and Swiss monetary policy.

A daily news roundup is summarising the day's top 30 headlines, led by a stock market crash, tensions between America and Iran, and the central bank's repo rate decision. The roundup bundles the biggest financial and geopolitical stories of the day into one briefing, with markets the dominant theme alongside international affairs and monetary policy news.

Attention is turning to whether the Bank of England will raise interest rates in the final quarter of the year. Markets and savers are watching for signals on inflation and the bank's next policy move, with analysts weighing whether further tightening is likely before the end of 2024.

Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari said the Federal Reserve must work to bring down inflation pressures, underscoring the central bank's commitment to its price-stability goal. His comments come as policymakers weigh how much further to restrict monetary policy, with markets watching closely for signals on the path of interest rates.

The European Central Bank has started looking for a replacement for Isabel Schnabel, a move seen as the first step in shaping the institution beyond Christine Lagarde's leadership. Schnabel, the ECB's influential executive board member, is widely credited with shaping the bank's communication on monetary policy, making her succession closely watched by markets.

Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari said the US central bank must work to bring down inflation pressures, remarks carried by Reuters and multiple US newspapers. The comments come as markets watch closely for signals on how long the Fed will keep monetary policy tight.

The Swiss National Bank has warned that the growing use of stablecoins could hinder the effectiveness of its monetary policy. According to the central bank, widespread adoption of privately issued digital currencies pegged to fiat money could weaken its control over money supply and interest rates. The statement adds the Swiss institution to a growing list of regulators and central banks voicing concern over stablecoins' impact on financial stability.

The Bank of Japan affirmed that its policy focus has shifted to preventing inflation from overshooting its target, according to a summary of opinions from last month's policy meeting, at which the central bank raised its policy rate. The move signals growing confidence in Japan's economy while keeping price pressure in check.

Expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates a second time in 2026 have weakened considerably. The shift suggests markets and analysts see a more cautious monetary outlook, with fewer convictions that additional tightening will be needed amid mixed economic signals.