Monetary Policy

Bank of Japan Hikes Rates to 31-Year High, Ripples Across Global Markets

Core Summary The Bank of Japan announced on June 16 a 25 basis point rate hike to 1%, the highest level since 1995. The move marks a further tightening of Japan’s decades-long ultra-loose monetary policy as the yen languishes at historic lows. Bitcoin rose following the announcement, as some traders interpret the hike as a signal that the global tightening cycle may be nearing its peak. Event Details The Bank of Japan’s Policy Board made the decision following a two-day meeting. This is the latest in a series of rate increases that began in 2024, when the bank started moving away from near-zero interest rates. The current 1% rate represents the highest level in 31 years, reflecting the bank’s deep concern about persistent inflation. ...

Trump Says 'I Love the Inflation' as US Prices Rise at Fastest Rate in Three Years

Summary President Trump displayed an unusual attitude toward rising inflation data in his latest public statement, declaring “I love the inflation.” Meanwhile, the latest US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data shows prices rising at their fastest pace in three years, drawing widespread attention and concern from economists and markets. Analysis Inflation has become a core issue in current US political economy. The latest CPI data shows US prices rising at their fastest pace since 2023, directly pressuring household purchasing power and living costs. ...

Australia Hikes Rates Again, Warns Inflation to Stay Higher for Longer

The Reserve Bank of Australia raises rates again, warning that Middle East conflict is pushing up fuel and commodity prices, keeping inflation elevated for an extended period.

Powell to Remain on Fed Board After Chair Term Ends, Denying Trump a Vacancy

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced he will continue to serve as a Fed governor after his chair term expires in May, thwarting President Trump’s plan to appoint a new board member and triggering a new institutional showdown in Washington.

Fed Holds Rates Steady as Four Officials Dissent — Highest Level of Opposition Since 1992

The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at its April meeting, but four officials voted in dissent, marking the highest level of disagreement in nearly 34 years.

Fed April Meeting Begins: Powell's Final Rate Decision in Focus

The Federal Reserve’s April monetary policy meeting begins today with markets widely expecting rates to hold steady. This may be Chair Jerome Powell’s final rate decision before his term ends.

Fed Expected to Hold Rates Steady at What May Be Powell's Final Meeting

The Fed is expected to keep interest rates unchanged at its April meeting, which could be Chair Jerome Powell’s last, as Kevin Warsh’s confirmation process advances in the Senate.

Bank of Japan Holds Rates Steady, Raises Inflation Forecast Amid Iran War Concerns

The Bank of Japan kept its policy rate unchanged in a 6-3 split vote, while raising its inflation forecast, reflecting concerns about the economic impact of the Iran conflict.

Key GOP Senator Ends Block, Clearing Way for Warsh as Fed Chair

Republican Senator Thom Tillis ends his hold on the Fed chair nominee, paving the way for Kevin Warsh’s confirmation vote as the Justice Department drops its criminal probe of Powell.

Key GOP Senator Tillis Drops Blockade, Clearing Path for Warsh's Fed Chair Nomination

North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis announced he will no longer block Trump’s Federal Reserve chair nominee Kevin Warsh, clearing a critical hurdle for confirmation that could reshape US monetary policy.