English Newsletters Events Podcasts Videos Africanews Search

central banks

Economy

Former Hungarian central bank chief detained in fraud probe

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Economy

The AI boom could trigger the next crash, central banks warn

The vast surge of investment in AI, which has powered global stock markets to record highs, risks ending in a financial bust, the Bank for International Settlements warns, as the build-up’s hidden costs begin to surface in company accounts and consumer prices alike.

Economy

Lagarde under fire over ‘additional’ BIS salary in breach of ECB rules

The ECB President is facing backlash after disclosing she earns over €140,000 a year as a board member for the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). ECB policy bans regular staff from accepting third-party payments.

23 February 2026

Economy

EU countries prepare for ECB race as Lagarde eyes early exit

Following reports on Wednesday that Christine Lagarde could step down as ECB President before her mandate ends, some EU countries have begun sounding out potential successors.

20 February 2026

Markets

Gold values hit new peak as central banks shift away from dollar

A historic price for the world’s oldest safe-haven asset signals waning confidence in the dollar and mounting pressure on the Fed.

2 September 2025

ADVERTISEMENT

Markets

European markets turn cautiously optimistic ahead of Powell speech

The majority of the main European stock markets slowly moved into positive territory after the opening bell. Investors remain cautious while watching for more news about the Ukraine peace talks and US monetary policy.

Economy

What is de-banking? How EU, US & UK banks screen their risky customers

What began as technical risk management is now a political battlefield as governments wrestle with how far banks can go in choosing, or refusing, their customers.

Business

How Trump’s tariffs could impact upcoming big US bank earnings

The US earnings season begins on Friday, with major banks reporting their first-quarter results before the market opens. Despite expectations for solid quarterly performances, analysts anticipate conservative guidance due to tariff-related uncertainties.

Markets

Markets week ahead: Will central banks announce more rate cuts?

Major central banks are set to decide on interest rates this week, providing guidance on market trajectory. Investors will particularly focus on the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook, as the bank may step in and buoy a wobbly Wall Street after it fell into correction territory.

Markets

Shares in French banks fall after Moody’s ratings downgrade

French banking stocks fell after Moody’s downgrade on seven banks’ ratings amid the ongoing political turmoil. Both French government bonds and its stock markets experienced selloffs due to souring investment sentiment.

18 December 2024

Economy

Germany’s inflation misses forecasts in November: Bund yields fall

Germany's headline inflation rose to 2.2% in November, below forecasts, with a sharp 0.2% monthly drop signalling disinflation. Core inflation hit 3.0%, the highest since May. Bund yields fell to 2.14%, DAX rose 0.5%, and the euro slightly weakened.

28 November 2024

Markets

Preparing for the worst? Polish central bank goes on gold buying spree

The president of the National Bank of Poland, Adam Glapinski, recently revealed that the central bank would continue to buy gold, and is aiming for the precious metal to make up 20% of the bank’s reserves.

Economy

Refusal to pay higher prices may deal final blow to US inflation spike

The great inflation spike of the past three years is nearly spent — and economists credit American consumers for helping slay it.

Economy

ECB’s Lagarde keeps September rate cut contingent on data

The ECB left rates unchanged in July, maintaining a data-dependent approach, with September's rate cut still undecided. Lagarde noted high domestic price pressures still weighing on inflation and potential tariffs risks weighing on exports.

Economy

ECB meeting preview: No surprise cut in July, all eyes on September

Following June’s rate cut, the ECB is expected to maintain rates steady at its July meeting, awaiting September economic projections. Divisions widen between hawk and dove members, while analysts anticipate two more cuts by year-end.

Business

Earnings preview: US big banks may see profit fall in second quarter

The US earnings season will kick off with big banks reporting their second-quarter performance on Friday. Analysts expect these banks' profits to be negatively impacted by rate cut expectations.

Economy

The search for lost change: Belgians urged to empty their pockets

Putting forgotten coins back into circulation can cut government expenditure, as well as helping the environment, Belgians are told.