Showing posts with label European Central Bank. Show all posts
Showing posts with label European Central Bank. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Bold Actions Of G20 London Summit


As I recognize it, there remains a debate between those who believe that the current economic environment compels a dramatic rethink of the foundations, systems and structures upon which the global economy operates, and those who believe that such sweeping reforms are both unnecessary and politically impossible.

In short, there are those who seek to begin the process of crafting a ‘new Bretton Woods’ and those who seek to ban the use of that phrase altogether.

In my earlier post, I wrote(scribbled) about "the global financial sector is in need of structural reform". I believe that the current economic crisis provides an opportunity to reshape the global financial system in ways that more accurately reflect the global nature and risks inherent in 21st-century banking, finance and capital flows.

This G20 gathering represents a true ‘free market’ where there is competition for ideas, creativity and leadership. It provides the perfect opportunity for a 21st-century successor to the intellectual and creative leadership of John Maynard Keynes to emerge.
To be successful, it is imperative that the United States play an active leadership role at the London Summit. The US has a unique role. The failure of the US to assume a leadership role, especially with the presence of President Obama, would undoubtedly be seen as an
opportunity missed.

The most innovative and bold structural proposals have come from Europe, where a recent report by the High Level Group on Financial Supervision in the EU, under the direction of Jacques de Larosière, contains some very worthy, realistic and detailed recommendations.
Unofficial groups, such as the G30 Financial Reform Working Group chaired by Paul Volcker, have similarly issued reports which I urge summit participants to review carefully and consider seriously.
The proposal is important because it seeks to address the systemic nature of risk, which underpins the existing financial system, and also because of its inherent inconsistency.
Given the magnitude and scale of the issues now confronting summit participants, those officials tasked with its preparation should not feel bound to adhere strictl to the agenda and working groups created four months ago.
Now is not the time for caution, but rather the time for bold assertion of leadership, ideally by the United States, but hopefully with the collective support of the global community.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

G7 and G20 countries

G7 Countries

The G7 was an informal gathering of heads of state and governments of the world's most advanced economies (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States).

In the early stages, members of the G7 were accompanied at meetings by their foreign and finance ministers. In 1998, the British Presidency decided to separate the ministerial meetings from the original summit in order to keep the original concept of a small, informal gathering. In the same year, Russia joined what then became the G8. Since 2005, the G8 has been holding dialogues with the major emerging economies of Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa.

G8 finance ministers meet once a year before the actual summit. However, finance ministers also meet in general three more times (early in the year, and at the margin of the spring and annual meetings of the international financial institutions), but in a G7 (instead of a G8) framework. . Since the introduction of the euro, the European Central Bank (ECB) and the President of the Eurogroup also attend. (Courtesy:Wikipedia)

The G7/8 deals with such issues as: global economic outlook and macroeconomic management, international trade, energy, climate change, and relations with developing countries.

G20 Countries

The G20 (Group of 20) is a group representing 19 of the world's largest economies plus the European Union that are strategically important and influential in the world economy. The G20 was formed as a new forum for cooperation and consultation on matters pertaining to the International Financial System (IFS).

The membership of the G20 comprises the finance ministers and central bank governors of the G7, 12 other key countries, and the European Union Presidency (if not a G7 member); the European Central Bank; the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund; the Chairman of the IMFC; the President of the World Bank; and the Chairman of the Development Committee.

The G20 is an informal forum that promotes open and constructive discussion between industrial and emerging-market countries on key issues related to global economic stability.

The members of the G20 are the finance ministers and central bank governors of 19 countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. The European Union is also a member, represented by the rotating Council Presidency and the European Central Bank.

Friday, October 10, 2008

DESPERATE INTERCEPTION!!!

Desperate to avoid a depression like the one witnessed in 1929, the US Fed in coordination with other central banks today announced a cut in key rates to stimulate consumption and economic activity. This has been a suffix to the recent hapennings and recession type liabilities, not so true but imposed due to heavy speculation in global markets.

Who knows the markets have been slaughtered on the condition basis or due to heavy speculation and rumors of global stagnation.

Steps taken also include some Joint unprecidented(to be precise) actions and consultation such as to increase liquidity in market to reduce financial crisis.

This will have an impact on Inflation. But according to me, decline in energy and other commodity prices has reduced the upside risk of Inflation to a much greater extent.

Stats say that

The Fed has reduced the federal funds rate by 50 basis-points to 1.5 percent.

Chinese Central bank has cut interest rates for the second time in less than one month reducing it to 6.93 percent, to increase money availability in the market.

OTHER MAJOR FALLS ARE:-

The European Central Bank's main rate is now 3.75 per cent, Canada's benchmark rate fell to 2.5 per cent, Bank of England's rate dropped to 4.5 per cent and Sweden's rate declined to 4.25 per cent.

Now comes RBI's Interception....

Speculators have been discussing the slashing in interest rates as a negative impact as this is following the same trend the Fed did about 2 month ago to maintain or retain stability in Financial Markets.

The Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) will fall to 8.5% from 11 October and the move would release about Rs20,000 crore into the financial system.

Observing the current liquidity situation in the context of global and domestic developments, it has been decided to reduce the CRR by 50 basis points to 8.5% of net demand and time liabilities (NDTL).

Thus increasing the total market liquidity to Rs90,000 crore.

Recently the intensification of financial market turmoil is likely to exert additional restraint on spending, partly by further reducing the ability of households and businesses to obtain credit

Speaking in Finance Minister's Language the depression will have no effect on the nation's economic stability, but stats have as usual performed differently.