Inflation is now thoroughly entrenched in India's economy, and some analysts fear that the United States could suffer the same fate if adjustments to monetary policy aren't made soon.
India's wholesale price index-based inflation rate in February accelerated to 9.89% from a year earlier. That was the fastest pace in 16 months, blowing past the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) estimate for an 8.5% inflation rate at the end of March.
Soaring food prices were the primary driver of inflation. An index measuring wholesale prices of lentils, rice, vegetables and other food articles compiled by the commerce ministry rose 16.3% in the week ended March 6 from a year earlier after a 17.81% gain the previous week.
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With Inflation Accelerating Around the World, Will the United States be Next?
China's Exports Surged by 46% in February, Adding to Currency Pressures
China exports in February rose for the third month in a row, beating forecasts and putting added pressure on government officials to rein in stimulus spending and loosen currency policies. Exports in February jumped 45.6% from a year earlier after a 21% advance in January, the customs bureau reported today (Wednesday) on its Web site. […]
Australia Increases Rates, Canada Stays Steady as Both Cast Wary Eyes Toward Inflation
Canada and Australia, two resource-rich nations that are recovering quickly from the global recession, yesterday (Tuesday) reaffirmed interest rate policies as both promised to remain vigilant about rising inflation.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised its cash rate target by a quarter of a percentage point to 4.00%, while the Bank of Canada (BOC) kept its benchmark interest rate at record lows. Both central banks said inflation and economic output have been higher than policymakers expected.
The target rate for overnight loans between commercial banks in Canada will remain at 0.25%, the same level it's been since April 2009, exactly in line with predictions by 22 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. The central bank also repeated a pledge to leave it unchanged through June unless the current inflation outlook shifts.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised its cash rate target by a quarter of a percentage point to 4.00%, while the Bank of Canada (BOC) kept its benchmark interest rate at record lows. Both central banks said inflation and economic output have been higher than policymakers expected.
The target rate for overnight loans between commercial banks in Canada will remain at 0.25%, the same level it's been since April 2009, exactly in line with predictions by 22 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. The central bank also repeated a pledge to leave it unchanged through June unless the current inflation outlook shifts.
China is Doing Exactly What the United States Should be Doing – Looking Ahead
After boosting its economy with an $885 billion (2 trillion yuan) stimulus package, China is doing exactly what the United States should be doing - turning its attention toward inflation and excess lending.
The People's Bank of China (BOC) yesterday (Thursday) raised the interest rate on its three-month bills for the first time since Aug. 13. The central bank sold $8.8 billion (60 billion yuan) of three-month bills at a yield of 1.3684%. That's up from 1.3280% last week.
Also, the BOC this week drained a net $20.1 billion (137 billion yuan) from the money market through its open-market operations - its largest weekly fund withdrawal in nearly three months.
The People's Bank of China (BOC) yesterday (Thursday) raised the interest rate on its three-month bills for the first time since Aug. 13. The central bank sold $8.8 billion (60 billion yuan) of three-month bills at a yield of 1.3684%. That's up from 1.3280% last week.
Also, the BOC this week drained a net $20.1 billion (137 billion yuan) from the money market through its open-market operations - its largest weekly fund withdrawal in nearly three months.
China Looks to 2010 After Another Strong GDP Report
China today (Thursday) may report 9% growth in third-quarter gross domestic product (GDP), as the government's $585 billion stimulus plan and a massive surge in lending kept business humming. But now that stimulus measures have ensured strong growth for the year, Beijing must look forward to 2010 when it will have to keep inflation at […]