Market News — Global Markets, Economy & Policy

Central Banks & Policy 5 hours ago

Brazil Senate committee approves central bank financial autonomy measure tied to Pix oversight

Brazil’s Senate Constitution and Justice Committee approved a proposal expanding the central bank’s financial and administrative autonomy, including exclusive authority over Pix regulation and limits on transferring the payments system to another entity. Trade groups for banks, fintechs and payment companies publicly supported stronger central bank supervisory authority.

Central Banks & Policy 5 hours ago

Bank of Canada Keeps Overnight Rate at 2.25% as Growth Weakens and Inflation Stays Elevated

The Bank of Canada left its overnight rate unchanged at 2.25%, saying weaker economic activity and higher inflation complicate policy decisions. Officials said inflation is expected to be near 3% in coming months, broad-based price pressures from energy remain limited, and growth is projected to resume in the second quarter while economic slack persists.

Central Banks & Policy a day ago

RBI launches 1.5% dollar-rupee swap window for PSU ECBs, banks’ overseas borrowings and FCNR-B deposits

The Reserve Bank of India introduced a US dollar-rupee forex swap facility on June 8, letting eligible banks swap dollars at the FBIL reference rate and reverse at 1.5% per year, up to five years. It applies to PSU external commercial borrowings, banks’ overseas foreign currency borrowings, and certain FCNR-B deposits raised within specified windows.

Central Banks & Policy a day ago

Bank Indonesia lifts benchmark rate to 5.50% in unscheduled move to support rupiah

Bank Indonesia raised its benchmark BI Rate by 25 basis points to 5.50% at an off-cycle meeting, citing a larger-than-expected rupiah decline since the last policy decision. The central bank said the move aimed to stabilize the exchange rate amid global volatility, attract foreign capital inflows, and help keep inflation within its target range.

Central Banks & Policy a day ago

Federal judge voids Trump administration’s $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas

A U.S. District Court judge in Massachusetts vacated a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa petitions set by a September 2025 proclamation. The ruling said the payment functioned as a tax without congressional authorization and cannot be enforced. The court granted summary judgment in a lawsuit brought by New York’s attorney general and other states.

Central Banks & Policy a day ago

Bank Indonesia delivers surprise 25-bp rate hike to 5.50% as rupiah hits record lows

Bank Indonesia raised its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 5.50% in an unexpected off-cycle move after the rupiah weakened more than anticipated and hit 18,190 per U.S. dollar. The central bank set the deposit facility at 4.50% and the lending facility at 6.25%, and announced measures aimed at supporting the currency and foreign inflows.

Central Banks & Policy 2 days ago

Indonesia Considers Exemptions to New Single-Gate Export Rules for Commodity Traders

Indonesia is considering exemptions for commodity traders under planned single-gate export regulations covering coal, palm oil and ferroalloys. The palm oil products cited include crude palm oil, refined bleached deodorized palm oil, and refined bleached deodorized palm olein. Officials and lawmakers have discussed clarifying the framework for market participants and investors.

Central Banks & Policy 3 days ago

PBOC Raises China’s Gold Reserves by 320,000 Ounces; FX Reserves Climb to $3.44 Trillion

China’s central bank increased official gold holdings by 320,000 troy ounces last month, lifting reserves to 74.96 million ounces, according to data released Sunday. China’s foreign exchange reserves rose $31.7 billion to $3.4422 trillion by the end of May. Bullion prices fell in May for a third straight month.

Central Banks & Policy 3 days ago

South Korea’s President Lee taps ex-Naver CEO Han Seongsook as prime minister nominee, citing AI push

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung nominated Han Seongsook, a former chief executive of internet portal operator Naver, to serve as prime minister. The presidential office announced the nomination on Sunday and said the appointment is intended to support the government’s artificial-intelligence policy agenda and broader economic strategy.