Brazil’s Central Bank Modification of Reserve Requirements

The Central Bank of Brazil plans to revise its reserve mandatory policies aiming to raise the volume of money flow in the economy. In due course, this could lessen the cost of credit for consumers and generate excess resources in the bank and improve the regulation of the monetary policy.

Last month, the Mexican Central bank Governor Ilan Goldfajn publicized their goal to cut its medium-term to long-term credit costs for both companies and consumers to boost the economy facing recession. The banks intends to integrate the demand policies for savings and time deposits involving the differences between borrowing rates of banks in loans and funds.

Slow Economic Growth for South Korea in Fourth Quarter

The Bank of Korea confirmed on Wednesday the economic growth of the sovereign state fell back during the fourth quarter of the previous year. Further sharp decline took place in the construction spending and personal consumption expenditure as the political upheaval intensifies.

The period got affected by the illegal involvement of President Park Geun-hye regarding the corruption scandal. Park got impeached by parliament of South Korea, pronouncing their judgment in a court proceeding. This political instability triggered fears for  the probable “policy paralysis” and caused for the Consumer Confidence Index to slump for the third time up to this month.

The growth is approximately 0.4 percent based on Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR), quite from the 0.6 percent result in September and 0.8 percent surge for the month of June.
While the construction investment grew less with a seasonally adjusted 1.7 percent from October to December. On the other hand, the private consumption gained 0.2 percent only and remained lesser by 0.5 percent during the September quarter. Moreover, the annual GDP rate increased by 2.3 percent in the last quarter but comparatively lower from 2.6 percent hike in third quarter.

Trump Signed Exec Order for Controversial Pipelines

Environmentalists have predicted about the much-protected issue but only few of them presumed it would instantly take place. As US President Donald Trump signed an executive order giving a go-ahead signal for the completion of the controversial Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipeline. Based on reports, these infrastructure programs allow an easier shipping of fossil fuels towards North America.

This re-authorization order is included in the promise of Trump during his campaign which is about the lessening of internal procedures in blocking the pipelines.Moreover, the 70-year old politician was lambasted by climate activists together with Native Americans after he approved the memorandum for the pipeline projects.

The pipeline revival is the initial opposing move of current American leader against ex-President Obama’s environmental policies. As Obama’s presidency did not pursue this plan due to some  environmental-related concerns.

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Positive Outlook on Japan’s Economic Growth Forecast Caused BOJ to Maintain its Policy

The Bank of Japan adjusted higher its economic forecast on Tuesday. However, the monetary policy remained the same which is already anticipated. The GDP forecast for the year increased by 14% from 1.0% in October for this fiscal year. Its economic forecast was raised by 1.5% from 1.3% for this year and 1.1 percent from 0.9% in the following fiscal year. Alongside, the inflation of 2% is anticipated to increase as well for the fiscal year in 2018 since the medium to long-term inflation expectations has a positive outlook and halts is recent decline.

The Labor market is also doing well with rates tightening and the downtrend of the commodity prices is pushed higher by the increase in demand for International commodity prices. The currency yield-curve policy control approved on later September meeting of the central bank is expected to maintain its current stand despite the uncertainty brought by the new U.S. administration as one of their top trading trading partner.

USD Falls for Sixth Consecutive Week as NFP Data Disappoints

    The US dollar fell for the sixth consecutive week and has recorded its lowest drop since July 2016 after the NFP report disappointed a lot of market players as the supposed effects of a highly positive hiring data was offset by the lack of wage-induced pressures. This was also further propelled by various uncertainties surrounding Trump’s policies regarding the USD, as well as his newly-imposed sanctions on Iran. The results of the NFP report were also not enough to compensate for the uncertainties brought about by the Fed’s refusal to give out hints on its next steps regarding the impending interest rate hike.

Asian Stocks Drop After JPY Haven Demand Surge

    Asian equities experienced a decline following a JPY rally after the demand for the safe haven currency increased following various concerns surrounding political events worldwide. The Japanese Topix index decreased after a three-day high as the JPY recorded its highest value since November 2016 last Monday. This recent rally in equities caused by Trump’s policies have started to weaken as most investors are now worried with how the Trump administration plans to balance out its proposed tax cuts and added spending with its protectionist stance on international trade. Adding to risk are some EU countries where anti-establishment organizations are now gaining fuel prior to their respective national elections.

Positive Reports Indicating Italy's Economic Recovery

Italy’s economy is performing well as it grew for the past three months signaling a stabilizing growth pace of the economy as statistics shown. Despite the uncertainty in the first half last year, the country was able to recover supported by the monthly report short-term economic forecasts by the national statistics agency ISTAT.

Results were further supported by the improving manufacturing sector, household purchasing power and higher investment. However, the consumer confidence index declines due to the current weak economic condition. On a brighter side, the business confidence has significantly advanced. This was greatly influenced by the manufacturing sector increased by 0.7% In November. Other sectors such as the foreign trade and and Household Consumption climbed by 2.2% and 0.3% respectively in the third quarter last year.

This remarkable results coincides with the expectations of the government and optimistic that this will lessen the fiscal adjustment needed from the European Union.

Finance Minister Counters the Accusation Against ECB

The European Central has been accused of altering the Euro exchange rate and this is being negated by the French Finance Minister Michel Sapin. They are believed to have a goal in completing trading and attain the competitive policy goals by a significant U.S. authority saying that Germany gains an advantage over grossly undervalued Euro for personal gains.

Europe should still work harder to achieve former status prior to global financial crisis according to Sapin. Germany has to be more committed to restore into a better condition regarding its investments. At the same time, they are hopeful that the new president of the United States will recognize the significance of the European Union relationship with the United States.

The current Money Fall contest has already started on February 20, 2017 and will end on February 24, 2017.
You can register for the next competition which will take place from February 27, 2017 to March 3, 2017.

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Greece Fears Economic Collapse Amid Debt Crisis

Greek people have withdrawn money from their accounts which exceed to £2billion as they fear the news regarding economic crash which will take place within 45 days. The Hellenic republic was alarmed about the possible scarcity of money in a period of five months because the country is affronted with repayments with an estimate of more than £5.1bn (€6bn), thus the country is unable to pay the total amount without any aid or restructuring.

Greece citizens were forbidden to take more than £1,540 (€1,800) every month from their accounts, however, the currency had continuously depleted at a very fast rate. There are speculations that the Government will fail to pay for the next settlement due in July.

Individuals which involves tourists were strained to wait in line in order to obtain cash from their respective banking machines.

Brazil Eased Inflation Rate Less than 5 percent in February

Brazil lowered its inflation rate less than 5 percent halfway February for the first time since 2012. This was done to recuperate the economy after its two-year-long recession. The inflation target of Central bank comes in at 4.5 percent and they are open for further price easing. This would also be a big help for President Michel Temer who is seeking support in Congress.

On one side, the consumer prices slowed down quicker than expected which could force the authorities to ease their target for 2019. The reports will be publicized on Wednesday morning (1200 GMT) and at the same time, the central bank is anticipated to curtail its rates by 75 basis points from a two-year low of 12.25 percent.