Browsing: central bank

Official data revealed that the annual urban headline inflation rate decreased to 14.5% in August from 14.9% in July. Monthly urban inflation registered at 0.1% in August, showing no change from July. Conversely, core inflation moved upward, rising to 14.9% year on year from 14.7%. Monthly core inflation reached 0.3%.

Egypt Achieves New Peak in Foreign Reserves with $57.2 Billion in August 2026 CAIRO, EGYPT / RankWire.AI / – At the end of August 2026, Egypt’s net international reserves reached a historic high of $57.2145 billion. The Central Bank of Egypt disclosed this provisional figure on September 7. By the close of July, reserves stood at $56.2939 billion, indicating an increase of approximately $920.6 million during August, or about 1.6%. This latest figure continues the upward trend seen in 2026 and marks Egypt’s foreign reserves surpassing $57 billion for the first time.

Egypt’s central bank keeps its policy rate corridor at 19%-20% after its August meeting. Official figures show that annual urban inflation increased to 14.9% in July from 14.3% in June. Over the same period, core inflation, as calculated by the CBE, rose from 14.3% to 14.7%. In July, both headline and core inflation registered no monthly change. The Central Bank of Egypt noted that adverse base effects contributed to the higher yearly readings. The urban consumer price index for Egypt is compiled by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics. This August decision represents the fourth time in a row that rates have been held since meetings in April, May, and July. The last change in policy rates occurred on February 12, when the CBE reduced key rates by 100 basis points, bringing the overnight deposit and lending rates to their current levels of 19% and 20%. The main operation and discount rates also fell to 19.5%. Since that reduction, the Monetary Policy Committee has consistently maintained the full rate structure without further adjustments. Inflation climbs annually while monthly figures stay stable According to the bank, real economic activity continued to slow during the second quarter, based on its latest assessments. This follows a 5% growth in real gross domestic product in the first quarter of 2026. The CBE anticipates an average real GDP growth rate of about 5% for the 2025-202

In July, the growth rate of consumer prices in Belgium unexpectedly accelerated, reversing a recent deceleration and placing additional financial strain on households and businesses. The national statistical agency Statbel released official figures Thursday indicating that Belgium’s annual inflation rate topped forecasts, climbing to 3.56 percent in July from 3.40 percent in June. This notable rise outpaced the 3.37 percent forecast published by the Federal Planning Bureau, fueled by persistent increases in costs related to utilities, recreation, and transportation. The consumer price index increased by 0.63 percent month-on-month, reaching 103.60 points from 102.95 points in June.

Bank of Korea kept its benchmark rate at 2.50% for a seventh straight meeting, citing higher inflation pressure, weaker growth and market volatility.

South Korea’s foreign exchange reserves fell to $423.66 billion in March as a stronger U.S. dollar and FX swaps with the pension fund reduced reserve assets.

Bank of Korea posted record 2025 net income of 15.3275 trillion won as foreign-currency gains and stronger securities prices lifted annual profit.

China’s top officials pledged stronger tech financing, more balanced trade and capital market reforms, outlining steps on IPO rules, imports and stability.

India’s rupee led Asia’s gains after rebounding from a record low, with RBI action helping steady FX trade amid a stronger dollar and higher oil.

Bank of Korea held rates at 2.5% and launched dot plot guidance as it lifted 2026 growth forecast and flagged housing, debt and won risks.