BOJ Downgrades Inflation Forecasts Significantly as It Struggles with Limited Tools
The BOJ left its monetary policy measures unchanged in April. However, it revised sharply lower the inflation forecasts for this fiscal year. The country’s economy has been far below the +2% inflation despite a decade’s unconventional easing measures. On the...
FOMC Preview – Fed to Deliver Upbeat Message about Economy while Affirming Substantial Progress is Needed to Taper QE
We expect the Fed to turn more upbeat over the economic outlook at this week’s meeting. Yet, the economic improvement is not yet strong enough for any change in the monetary policy measures. As such, the Fed would leave the...
ECB Expects Growth to Resume in 2Q21. Yet, PEPP Tapering is Still Premature
As we have anticipated, the ECB left all monetary policy measures unchanged in April. Policymakers indicated the current pace (increased since March) of asset purchases in the PEPP would remain intact. Other monetary policy measures will stay unchanged with the...
BOC Tapers QE Program and Delivers Upbeat Economic Outlook
As we have expected, the BOC delivered a hawkish tapering of QE purchases in April. the weekly asset purchases will reduce to CAD3B/week, from CAD4B/week previously. Meanwhile, it also upgraded the economic assessments for both the country and the world....
ECB Preview – Looking for Hints on PEPP Destiny
We do not expect much news from the upcoming ECB meeting. European yields have stabilized since the central bank “accelerated significantly” the pace of PEPP purchases in mid-March. Inter-meeting economic data have been mixed. We believe policymakers would reinstate that...
BOC Preview – Expects Upgrades on Economic Forecasts and More Optimistic Forward Guidance
We expect the BOC to trim its asset purchases to CAD3B/week, from CAD4B/week previously. The reduction is likely driven by lower issuance by the Treasury. It will, however, leave the overnight rate at the effective lower bound of 0.25%. We...
Kiwi Shoots Higher as RBNZ Appears Less Concerned about its Rise
As expected, the RBNZ left all monetary policy measures unchanged at the April meeting. While acknowledging the dampening effects of the government’s housing policy, policymakers need more time to assess the impacts on the real economy. Meanwhile, the members appear...
RBNZ to Leave Expansionary Policy Unchanged as Growth Momentum Eases
Economic developments have been mixed since the February RBNZ meeting. Inter-meeting data show deceleration in the growth momentum, while inflation expectations have soared. Government’s measures to curb property prices would be another factors easing the growth outlook, while the Trans-Tasman...
ECB’s Minutes Revealed that Upside from US’ Fiscal Stimulus Not Yet Reflected in March Forecasts
ECB’s minutes for the March meeting have lent support to EURUSD. The minutes revealed that policymakers saw upside risks to the economic outlook, thanks to US’ huge fiscal stimulus. Meanwhile, despite higher inflation in the near-term, it should remain subdued...
Fed Upbeat on Recovery, while Pledged to Maintain Stimulus Until Substantial Progress is Seen On Economy
The FOMC minutes for the March meeting revealed that members turned more optimistic over the economic outlook. They were more hopeful of continuous improvement in light of the “significant declines in the number of new [coronavirus] cases, hospitalizations, and deaths...