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Bank Al-Maghrib Keeps Interest Rate Steady at 2.25% Amid Global Uncertainty
Financemorocco-world-news14d ago

Bank Al-Maghrib Keeps Interest Rate Steady at 2.25% Amid Global Uncertainty

Rabat – Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM) has opted for continuity, keeping its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.25% following its first quarterly meeting of 2026, as policymakers weigh solid domestic momentum against an increasingly uncertain global environment. The decision places the interest rate at the center of Morocco’s monetary stance, signaling a preference for stability at […] The post Bank Al-Maghrib Keeps Interest Rate Steady at 2.25% Amid Global Uncertainty appeared first on Morocco Wo...

South Koreans Support Higher Taxes for Wealthy
PoliticsKorea Herald14d ago

South Koreans Support Higher Taxes for Wealthy

A recent survey in South Korea indicates that more than half of the population believes taxes on high-income earners should be increased, even as policymakers consider easing the tax burden on salaried workers.

Africa Energy Indaba 2026 celebrates landmark success with presidential keynote and strong continental participation
Businessmail-guardian21d ago

Africa Energy Indaba 2026 celebrates landmark success with presidential keynote and strong continental participation

The 18th edition of the Africa Energy Indaba, held from 3–5 March 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), concluded with resounding success, bringing together policymakers, ministers, investors, utilities and industry leaders from across the continent and around the world. Recognised as Africa’s premier energy event, the Africa Energy Indaba once again served as a strategic platform […]

Europe's Bond Vigilantes Smell Oil Again
FinanceYahoo22d ago

Europe's Bond Vigilantes Smell Oil Again

The return of bond vigilantes, investors who punish governments by selling their bonds and driving up borrowing costs, is a growing concern for European policymakers. This phenomenon, previously seen during the eurozone debt crisis, is being fueled by rising inflation, increased government debt, and concerns about the economic outlook.

Indonesia faces fiscal squeeze as Iran war drives up oil prices
BusinessSCMP25d ago

Indonesia faces fiscal squeeze as Iran war drives up oil prices

Indonesia could face a sharp fiscal squeeze if the US-Israel war on Iran pushes oil prices higher, analysts warn, as this could inflate the country’s fuel subsidy bill at a time when global ratings agencies and investors are already scrutinising Jakarta’s monetary discipline. A prolonged war could force policymakers into a difficult choice: maintain fuel subsidies and risk breaching the legal deficit ceiling – potentially unsettling investors further – or cut funding to keep the budget within...

The Hindu and VIT School of Law to Host Justice Unplugged 2026 Conference
Technologyhindu1mo ago

The Hindu and VIT School of Law to Host Justice Unplugged 2026 Conference

The Hindu and VIT School of Law are set to host 'Justice Unplugged 2026', a conference aimed at connecting aspiring lawyers with legal professionals and policymakers. The event will focus on the impact of generative AI on legal practice, the evolution of fundamental rights in the digital age, and improving access to justice.

National Seed System Reset Programme launched at University of Ghana to boost 24-hour economy
Environmentmyjoyonline15d ago

National Seed System Reset Programme launched at University of Ghana to boost 24-hour economy

The two-day National Seed System Reset Programme has commenced at the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) Car Park, University of Ghana, Legon, bringing together policymakers, agricultural experts, seed producers, development partners and other key stakeholders to advance discussions on strengthening Ghana’s seed system as part of the country’s broader agricultural transformation agenda.

Africa must deepen intra-continental trade to unlock prosperity — Access Bank GMD
Businessvanguard-ng19d ago

Africa must deepen intra-continental trade to unlock prosperity — Access Bank GMD

By Cynthia Alo The Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Mr.Roosevelt Ogbonna, has called on African policymakers, financiers and businesses to deepen collaboration in order to accelerate intra-African trade and unlock the continent’s economic potentials. Ogbonna made the call yesterday while welcoming participants to the Africa Trade Conference (ATC) 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa, […] The post Africa must deepen intra-continental trade to unlock prosperity — Access Bank GMD appeared ...

If plant-based foods must be more honest, let’s do the same for meat – fancy some ‘cow muscle’? | Deirdra Barr
CultureThe Guardian20d ago

If plant-based foods must be more honest, let’s do the same for meat – fancy some ‘cow muscle’? | Deirdra Barr

EU rules banning terms such as ‘bacon’ for veggie products are problematic, btw cow muscle = steak Last week, European policymakers decided that plant-based foods should no longer be marketed with terms such as “chicken”, “bacon” or “steak”. The fear seems to be that shoppers might accidentally buy veggie bacon thinking it came from an actual pig. The change applies to the UK too, because of our trade agreement with Europe. After considerable pushback from organisations including the one I wo...

ITREALMS Media announces 2026 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum
TechnologyPremium Times1mo ago

ITREALMS Media announces 2026 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum

The forum, scheduled for Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Welcome Centre Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos, will bring together policymakers, tech innovators, and civil society under the theme: “Sustaining WSIS Vision with Multistakeholder Synergy in Nigeria.” The post ITREALMS Media announces 2026 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

Chintan Shivir to Discuss Urban Plans for Temple Towns
Politicshindustan-times1mo ago

Chintan Shivir to Discuss Urban Plans for Temple Towns

A three-day Chintan Shivir exhibition and conference will be held to discuss urban plans for temple towns, bringing together urban practitioners, policymakers, and private sector participants to deliberate on mobility, housing, digital governance, and municipal finance.

Middle East Conflict Fuels Global Economic Stagflation, Energy Crisis, and Rising Costs
WorldBBCbloombergNYT+58wsjFTAl JazeeraFox Newsnrkcnbcruvukrainska-pravda+50 more5d ago61 sources

Middle East Conflict Fuels Global Economic Stagflation, Energy Crisis, and Rising Costs

The Middle East conflict continues to impact the global economy, leading to potential stagflation, rising mortgage rates in the US, and lower Wall Street trading. South Korea has implemented a 12-step plan to reduce energy consumption due to surging oil prices, while Europe faces a potential gas price explosion if LNG imports from Qatar remain halted, and global fuel prices are causing concern in places like Manila.

Economists Warn of Persistent Inflation and Growth Concerns
Financenzzder-standard12d ago2 sources

Economists Warn of Persistent Inflation and Growth Concerns

Concerns about inflation are resurfacing, with rising fuel prices potentially signaling broader economic challenges. Economists warn that inflation may remain high despite government measures, urging calm from policymakers and faster adoption of renewable energy.

Nigerian ministers, Lagos electricity regulators to speak at African energy summit in US
BusinessPremium Times15d ago

Nigerian ministers, Lagos electricity regulators to speak at African energy summit in US

The summit, which brings together African energy policymakers, regulators, investors and development partners, will focus on strengthening the United States–Africa energy partnership and expanding investment in the continent’s power sector. The post Nigerian ministers, Lagos electricity regulators to speak at African energy summit in US appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

Canada and Norway Push Oil Market Stability Amid Middle East War, Canada Releases Reserves
BusinessReuterscbccnbc+7SCMPtvn24Yahoon1-bihinquirerazernewsclub-of-mozambique16d ago10 sources

Canada and Norway Push Oil Market Stability Amid Middle East War, Canada Releases Reserves

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Norway's Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized energy stability during talks in Oslo as the Middle East war impacts global oil markets. Canada announced it will release 23.6 million barrels following an International Energy Agency call for coordinated action, adding to the pressure on energy markets as the conflict triggers emergency oil measures and policymakers warn of an Iran oil shock.

Obasanjo, Sanwo-Olu, others seek stronger African trade ties
Businessvanguard-ng22d ago

Obasanjo, Sanwo-Olu, others seek stronger African trade ties

The hosting agreement was formally signed in Lagos on Monday, drawing prominent African leaders, policymakers and business executives who described the event as a critical platform for deepening economic integration and unlocking the continent’s vast trade potential. The post Obasanjo, Sanwo-Olu, others seek stronger African trade ties appeared first on Vanguard News.

Africa Press Day 2026: Roche convenes journalists, health experts, others in Nairobi to discuss health investment, equity and sovereignty
Healthmyjoyonline28d ago

Africa Press Day 2026: Roche convenes journalists, health experts, others in Nairobi to discuss health investment, equity and sovereignty

Global healthcare company Roche is assembling leading journalists, policymakers, development financiers and health experts in Nairobi for the 2026 Africa Press Day, placing the economic value of investing in health at the centre of continental development conversations. The high-level forum starts tomorrow, Wednesday, March 3 at the Radisons Blue Hotel, with Jacqueline Wambua, General Manager […]

Panics, Politics, & Power: America's 3 Experiments With Central Banks
Financezerohedge1mo ago

Panics, Politics, & Power: America's 3 Experiments With Central Banks

Panics, Politics, & Power: America's 3 Experiments With Central Banks Authored by Andrew Moran via The Epoch Times, The Federal Reserve, established more than a century ago, is the United States’ third experiment with central banking. For much of its existence, the institution maintained a low public profile. Only after the 2008 global financial crisis did the Fed begin communicating more openly, introducing post-meeting press conferences and allowing monetary policymakers to engage more frequently with the media. Greater transparency, however, has brought greater scrutiny. Public sentiment toward the Fed and its leadership has fluctuated over the years. Today, YouGov polling suggests the central bank is viewed favorably by 44 percent of Americans and unfavorably by 18 percent. If the Fed pursues a series of reforms, it will have “another great 100 years,” said Kevin Warsh, who was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the institution’s next chair. Comparable to past central banks, Warsh said, the current Federal Reserve System is beginning to lose the consent of the governed. “You can think about the Jacksonians of prior times say that the central bank seems like they’re trying to focus and they’re all preoccupied with those special interests on the East Coast, and they’ve lost track of what’s happening to us in the center of the country,” Warsh said in a July 2025 interview with the Hoover Institution’s Peter Robinson. “It’s a version of what worries me today.” What happened in the past, and why is it relevant to today’s central bank? The First Bank of the United States In the aftermath of the American Revolution, the United States faced a series of immense economic disruptions, forcing the nation’s architects to rebuild the economy. The objective was to lower inflation, restore the value of the nation’s currency, repay war debt, and revive the economy. Alexander Hamilton, the first secretary of the Treasury under the new Constitution, proposed establishing a national bank modeled on the Bank of England. Hamilton stated that a U.S. version would perform various duties, including issuing paper money, serving as the government’s fiscal agent, and protecting public funds. Not everyone shared Hamilton’s ebullience over a central bank. Thomas Jefferson, for example, feared that such an institution would not serve the nation’s best interests. Additionally, Jefferson and other critics argued that the Constitution did not grant the government the authority to create these entities. Nevertheless, Congress enacted legislation to establish the Bank of the United States. President George Washington then signed the bill in February 1791. Two of America's founding fathers: Thomas Jefferson (L) and Alexander Hamilton. The White House While bank officials did not conduct monetary policy as modern central banks do, they did influence the supply of money and credit, as well as interest rates. The entity managed the money supply by controlling when to redeem or retain state‑bank notes. If it sought to tighten credit, it would require payment in gold or silver, thereby draining state banks’ reserves and limiting their ability to issue new notes. If it wanted to expand credit, it simply held on to those notes, boosting state‑bank reserves and enabling them to lend more. By 1811, the national bank’s charter expired. While there had been discussions of allowing it to continue maintaining operations, Congress—both chambers—voted against renewing its mandate by a single vote. Its closure came shortly before the War of 1812, which fueled inflation and weakened the currency. Second Bank of the United States Lawmakers believed another central bank was critical at a time of fiscal, inflationary, and trade pressures. Congress used a similar 20-year model to produce the Second Bank of the United States, headed by Nicholas Biddle. The second incarnation had a federal charter, was privately owned, and was tasked with regulating state banks (with gold and silver for note redemption). President James Madison, who opposed the first central bank on constitutional grounds, supported the new institution out of financial necessity. Its creation stabilized credit and brought down inflation. However, by the 1830s, the bank faced strong opposition, particularly from President Andrew Jackson. Labeled the Bank War, Jackson engaged in a years-long initiative to dissolve the central bank. Jackson claimed the national bank was a tool for the wealthy eastern elite and a threat to self-government. “The Jacksonians described themselves as conscious hard-money men who supported the rigid discipline of the gold standard, yet they opposed the newly powerful national Bank because it restrained the expansion of credit and, thus, thwarted robust economic expansion,” author William Greider wrote in “Secrets of the Temple.” In 1832, Jackson vetoed legislation to recharter the bank four years early, delivering a fiery message that historians say was one of the most important vetoes in the nation’s history. “It is to be regretted that the rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their selfish purposes. Distinctions in society will always exist under every just government,” Jackson wrote. “There are no necessary evils in government. Its evils exist only in its abuses. If it would confine itself to equal protection, and, as Heaven does its rains, shower its favors alike on the high and the low, the rich and the poor, it would be an unqualified blessing. In the act before me, there seems to be a wide and unnecessary departure from these just principles.” The charter expired in 1836, leading to the panic of 1837. An economic crisis unfolded, leading to bank failures, business bankruptcies, rising unemployment, and contracting credit. While the collapse of the central bank is often considered a leading cause, the British also urged London banks to reduce credit to American merchants, causing a sharp drop in global trade. As the smoke cleared and dust settled, it was not until the 1840s that the United States embarked on a historic economic recovery, now known as the Free Banking Era. Banking was decentralized, and finance was largely unregulated. Despite an erratic financial system, the U.S. economy grew rapidly: agricultural production accelerated, railroads were built, and the country expanded westward. Additionally, deflation was paramount throughout most of the economic expansion. The Federal Reserve System The panic of 1907 led to the creation of the Federal Reserve System. Following years of heavy borrowing, speculative commodities investments (mainly copper), and enormous stock market gains, a financial crisis was brewing. The event nearly brought down the U.S. banking system. J.P. Morgan, a financier, intervened and emulated the actions of modern central banks. He met with the nation’s top bankers, facilitated emergency loans to financial institutions, and backed stockbrokers. The damage had been done as the United States fell into a year-long recession, marked by high unemployment and widespread bank failures. The Federal Reserve Board of Governors seal in Washington on Oct. 29, 2025. Madalina Kilroy/The Epoch Times Washington realized that it could not rely on private bailouts to prevent sharp downturns. Sen. Nelson Aldrich (R-R.I.) is widely regarded as one of the chief architects of the modern Federal Reserve System. In 1910, Aldrich hosted the famous Jekyll Island meetings, a gathering of U.S. officials and bankers, to discuss the blueprint of a new central bank. While the initial draft laid the foundation for the institution, the official Federal Reserve Act was drafted by President Woodrow Wilson, Rep. Carter Glass (D-Va.), and H. Parker Willis, an economist on the House Banking Committee. The new system was a public-private hybrid, with the federal government firmly in charge, and bankers running the regional reserve banks. “It was Wilson’s great compromise,” wrote Greider, “creating a hybrid institution that mixed private and public control, an approach without precedent at the time.” The legislation triggered a contentious political debate over the extent of its independence from the Treasury and the degree of authority delegated to policymakers over currency issuance. Days before Christmas, the bill cleared both chambers and was signed into law by Wilson on Dec. 23. “Wilson’s conviction that he had struck the right moderate balance seemed confirmed, however, by the reactions to his legislation,” Greider noted. “It was attacked by both extremes—the ‘radicals’ from the Populist states and the bankers in Wall Street and elsewhere.” Since its inception in 1913, the modern Federal Reserve has undergone numerous changes and has gained greater power. The New Deal, for instance, allowed the Fed to become the lender of last resort as Washington learned the central bank could not prevent bank failures. In 1951, the Treasury-Fed Accord restored central bank independence after the Federal Reserve had been forced to keep interest rates artificially low throughout the Second World War. Congress then enacted the Federal Reserve Reform Act in 1977, establishing the dual mandate of promoting maximum employment and maintaining price stability. 2026 and Beyond Over the past 50 years, the Fed has undergone modest changes, including the issuance of forward guidance and the disclosure of emergency lending facilities. But while each new regime has nibbled around the edges, Warsh has suggested he could effect substantial reforms at the central bank. “Until there’s regime change at the Fed and new people running the Fed, a new operating framework, they’re stuck with their old mistakes,” Warsh told Fox Business Network in October 2025. “Bygones aren’t just bygones.” Tyler Durden Wed, 02/18/2026 - 16:20