Central banks news

Stay engaged with the pivotal decisions that influence global economies. We offer timely coverage of central bank announcements, interest rate adjustments, and monetary policy statements, along with their implications for financial markets. Our thoughtful analysis delves into policy trends and the various factors driving central bank decisions, highlighting the resulting price movements across different asset classes.

US Federal Reserve (FED) news

A hawkish Fed and a dovish SNB are driving gains in USDCHF
USDCHF extended its upward move, gaining 1.3% this week and more than 3.3% since the start of the month. The pair was supported by a stronger US dollar after hawkish signals from the Fed, while the Swiss franc weakened as the SNB kept rates at 0% and signaled readiness to intervene in the FX market.
by Krzysztof Kamiński
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European Central Bank (ECB) news

Asia open: Trump’s Iran strike threat and tech rout spark stagflation
Global markets turned sharply risk-off as President Trump’s threat of hard strikes on Iran sent WTI crude back above US$90 and revived stagflation fears. Hot US CPI data reinforced expectations of a higher-for-longer Federal Reserve stance, pressuring equities, bonds, and precious metals. Technology stocks led losses as stretched AI valuations and mega-IPO liquidity concerns weighed on sentiment, while Asia Pacific markets opened broadly lower amid renewed currency stress.
by Kelvin Wong
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Bank of England (BoE) news

Asia open: Wall Street slumps as Kevin Warsh delivers hawkish hold, GBP/USD’s plunge hits support ahead of BoE
Global markets reacted sharply after the Federal Reserve delivered a hawkish hold at its June 2026 FOMC meeting. New Fed Chair Kevin Warsh kept interest rates unchanged but surprised investors by removing traditional forward guidance and signalling a stronger data-dependent policy framework. The shift triggered a selloff in US equities, boosted the US dollar, pressured gold prices, and reinforced expectations that the Fed could still raise interest rates before the end of 2026.
by Kelvin Wong
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Bank of Japan (BoJ) news

Asia open: Hang Seng underperforms on weak China’s retail sales, USD/JPY firmed above 159.75 after BoJ
Global markets rallied after the US and Iran agreed to a 60-day ceasefire framework and the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The Nasdaq 100 surged 3%, the Dow Jones hit a record high, and crude oil plunged below US$85 per barrel as geopolitical risk premiums evaporated. Investors rotated back into technology stocks amid renewed optimism over AI infrastructure spending, while attention now turns to the Federal Reserve’s June policy meeting under new Chair Kevin Warsh.
by Kelvin Wong
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Swiss National Bank (SNB) news

A hawkish Fed and a dovish SNB are driving gains in USDCHF
USDCHF extended its upward move, gaining 1.3% this week and more than 3.3% since the start of the month. The pair was supported by a stronger US dollar after hawkish signals from the Fed, while the Swiss franc weakened as the SNB kept rates at 0% and signaled readiness to intervene in the FX market.
by Krzysztof Kamiński
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Bank of Canada (BoC) news

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Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) news

Asia open: AI Capex mania fuels world stocks to all-time highs as US-Iran peace deal skepticism lingers
Global stock markets surged to fresh record highs as relentless AI infrastructure spending continued to fuel risk appetite despite mounting macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds. Investors are closely watching conflicting US-Iran peace deal developments, while sticky inflation pressures and increasingly hawkish central bank signals strengthen expectations for higher interest rates. Markets now shift focus to the crucial US PCE inflation report and the evolving AI-driven equity supercycle.
by Kelvin Wong
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Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) news

Asia open: Hang Seng underperforms on weak China’s retail sales, USD/JPY firmed above 159.75 after BoJ
Global markets rallied after the US and Iran agreed to a 60-day ceasefire framework and the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The Nasdaq 100 surged 3%, the Dow Jones hit a record high, and crude oil plunged below US$85 per barrel as geopolitical risk premiums evaporated. Investors rotated back into technology stocks amid renewed optimism over AI infrastructure spending, while attention now turns to the Federal Reserve’s June policy meeting under new Chair Kevin Warsh.
by Kelvin Wong
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People's Bank of China (PBoC) news

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How central banks influence the currency markets

Central banks are powerful institutions that play a crucial role in shaping the foreign exchange (FX) market. Their actions and policies can significantly influence currency values, impacting everything from international trade to investment flows. Understanding how central banks affect forex is essential for anyone involved in global finance. Here are some key ways they exert their influence:

  • Interest rates: Higher rates attract investment, strengthening the currency; lower rates weaken it.
  • Quantitative easing (QE): Injecting liquidity can weaken the currency.
  • Reserves management: Buying the currency supports its price; selling weakens it.
  • Market intervention: Direct buying/selling to influence exchange rates.
  • Forward guidance: Communication about future policy impacts expectations.
  • Crisis measures: Emergency actions to stabilize markets.