Monetary Policy - The People’s Economy

Monetary Policy

Six African Central Banks Cut Rates as Inflation Eases Across Continent

A wave of interest rate cuts is sweeping across Africa as inflation finally eases after years of pain. Six central banks cut rates in the first quarter of 2026: Kenya, Egypt, Angola, Ghana, Mozambique, and Zambia. It's one of the most coordinated monetary easing cycles the continent has

Monetary Policy

New Zealand Inflation Surprise at 3.1% Forces Central Bank Rethink

New Zealand just delivered an inflation surprise that's forcing the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to completely rethink its monetary policy plans. Consumer price inflation came in at 3.1% for the fourth quarter of 2025, above the RBNZ's 1% to 3% target band and well

Monetary Policy

US Federal Reserve Rate Cut Hopes Die as Markets Price Hikes Instead

Just a few weeks ago, markets were confident the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates in 2026. Investors were pricing in a 70% probability of at least one rate cut by June. Wall Street analysts were telling clients to expect lower rates by summer. That entire narrative just died. Markets

Monetary Policy

UK Bank of England Holds Rates but Markets See Four Hikes Coming

The Bank of England held interest rates at 3.75% on March 19, and on the surface that sounds like nothing changed. But look closer at what the market is doing, and you see a completely different story. Investors are now pricing in four quarter point rate hikes by the

Monetary Policy

Fed Meeting This Week: What to Expect When Rates Stay Put

The Federal Reserve meets this week on March 17 and 18, and almost everyone expects the same outcome: nothing changes. Markets are pricing in a 92% chance that interest rates stay exactly where they are, stuck between 3.5% and 3.75%. But here's the thing. Even though

Interest rates

European Central Banks Hold Interest Rates Steady Despite Energy Shock

European central banks are choosing to keep interest rates steady despite the recent surge in global energy prices. The decision reflects a cautious approach as policymakers attempt to balance inflation risks with the need to support economic growth. The latest spike in oil prices, driven by geopolitical tensions in the

Monetary Policy

Japan - Ending the Era of Ultra-Loose Monetary Policy

Investments

What Market Rallies and Sell-Offs Really Mean for Long-Term Investors

Cuts through short-term noise By Laura Fitzgerald If you check your portfolio every day, you're probably exhausted. The market goes up, the market goes down, headlines scream about rallies and crashes, and you're left wondering: does any of this actually matter for my retirement account? Here&

Monetary Policy

How to Build Financial Stability Before You Think About Investing

Emergency funds, debt, and cash flow By Michael Zhang If you're scrolling through social media, it feels like everyone's investing in something: stocks, crypto, real estate. Meanwhile, you're wondering if you should jump in too, even though your bank account feels uncomfortably low most

Monetary Policy

Why So Many People Feel Financially Stuck (Even With a Job)

Structural issues, inflation, and income realities By Michael Zhang You have a job. You're not unemployed. You show up every day, collect a paycheck, maybe even got a raise last year. So why does it feel like you're falling behind? You're not imagining it.