Category: Central Bank
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German Banks Increasingly Charging Retail Clients Negative Interest Rates
A growing number of banks in Germany are charging retail customers negative interest rates, starting with the very first euro deposited into their accounts. At least three German banks are reportedly doing so, with more expected to follow suit in the near future. As the European Central Bank maintains a negative rate policy, more banks…
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The Country With Europe’s Highest Interest Rate Has Cut It 5 Times This Year
Around half of European countries, over 20, now have 0% interest rates and a few are already in negative territory. Ukraine, which has the highest benchmark interest rate on the continent, has just reduced it again, for the fifth time this year. The race between central banks to cut rates, when there is inflation, has…
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China’s Inflation Hits a Record 4.5% as Beijing Prepares to Test Digital Yuan
China has been confronted with multiple economic and financial problems this year amidst an ongoing trade war with the United States. Authorities in Beijing have been trying to overcome the challenges with administrative measures in what has become a market economy over the years. And it’s backfiring. Inflation of the yuan just rose to its…
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Argentina’s Example Shows That You Don’t Own Your Money
Cash shortages, bank closures and ATMs running out of funds seems to be the new norm for many countries, and recently increased capital controls in Argentina are further testament to this unsettling trend. Sunday’s election of president Alberto Fernández has resulted in Argentine account holders being limited to USD purchases of $200 via bank account…
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China Ranks 35 Crypto Projects as President Xi Pushes Blockchain
China has been on a roll with a series of crypto-related announcements. President Xi Jinping’s speech to accelerate the development of blockchain technology in China was followed by the passing of a cryptography bill. Meanwhile, China’s Center for Information and Industry Development has continued to evaluate and rank crypto projects, and the central bank is…
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Why Central Banks Are Not Designed for Democracies
Through their policies, central banks exert tremendous influence over the socio-economic conditions in a country and its business environment. Their decisions are so powerful that it’s obvious they are part of the government. But most people would be surprised to find out that central banks are almost never part of the due democratic process. Also…
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The Big Lie Perpetuated by Central Banks
The central banking system controls monetary policy within a given jurisdiction, including the creation of money itself. The system is a lie and a denial of reality. The lie is political in motivation and content, and the denial of reality is rooted in culture and philosophy. Also read: Bitcoin Is a Weapon for Free Speech…
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Bank of Lithuania Issues Guidelines on Security Token Offerings
Recognizing that businesses are seeking alternative ways to raise capital other than bank lending, the Bank of Lithuania has issued new guidelines on security token offerings. The goal is to clarify applicable rules without introducing more regulations. Also read: Mario Draghi Leaves European Central Bank Without Ever Raising Interest Rates Guidelines Aiming to Avoid More…
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Lebanese Protestors Gather at Central Bank as Financial Lockout Continues
Since the beginning of widespread protests in Lebanon last week, banks and lending institutions have remained closed, fueling fears of an impending nationwide cash crisis. Attempts to assuage the concerns of suffering individuals without money or options are not proving effective, as officials scramble to address the situation against a backdrop of alleged political embezzlement…
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Germany’s Financial Crisis Invokes 5-Year Rent Freeze
All eyes are on the German economy which was once perceived as stable and strong. However, the financial state of affairs has been tumultuous and Berlin’s state cabinet recently agreed to a five-year rent freeze to help curb the rising housing costs in the country. Moreover, Bundesbank just published a monthly report that explains how…