Ukrainian lawmakers on Thursday approved amendments to legislation to strengthen the independence of the central bank and expand its regulatory powers.
By Reuters Staff
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KHARTOUM, May 20 (Reuters) - Sudan’s central bank is launching a system of foreign currency auctions as part of its flexible but managed floatation of the Sudanese pound, it said on Thursday.
The new system, which would apply only to importers, comes as the official and black market rates have begun to widen slightly over the past month after being brought in line by a devaluation in February.
“It is still too early to judge the results of the macroeconomic policy, including the unification of the exchange rate,” the bank said in a statement.
EU antitrust regulators on Thursday fined Nomura, UBS and UniCredit a total of 371 million euros ($452 million) for taking part in a European governments bonds trading cartel.
More funds approved for vaccine roll-out, tax breaks on hirings Rome extends state guarantees on bank loans, debt relief PM Draghi says expects to raise 2021 GDP forecast (Recasts with quotes and details after news conference)
ROME, May 20 (Reuters) - Italy on Thursday approved 40 billion euros ($48.8 billion) of new economic stimulus and Prime Minister Mario Draghi said that with the coronavirus crisis easing he hoped no more would be needed.
The extra spending, which funds tax relief and grants to businesses, was already factored in to the government’s public finance targets in April and will drive the budget deficit to 11.8% of national output this year, from 9.5% in 2020.
By Reuters Staff
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JOHANNESBURG, May 20 (Reuters) - South Africa’s central bank kept support for an economic recovery in place on Thursday, leaving lending rates unchanged for a fifth meeting in a row, but said upside inflation risks were beginning to emerge.
The unanimous decision by policymakers was in line with market forecasts, but the more hawkish tone struck by Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor Lesetja Kganyago was a noteworthy change.
Kganyago said recent spike in consumer prices was temporary, but that the bank would not hesitate to tighten policy if it became permanent.
“Our analysis at the moment is that (the rise in inflation) it’s transitory,” Kganyago said during a virtual media conference. “Of course if inflation does surprise we stand to act as appropriate to make sure that balance is restored”.