Randall Kroszner, Federal Reserve Governor
We still see potential for inflationary pressures. We have to be very careful to look at where they are coming from. September 28, 2006
Thomas Hoenig, Kansas City Federal Reserve President
With that more modest growth in the economy ... that means that there is some slack in the economy, and that's why I think the inflation numbers will stabilize and then continue to come down. September 28, 2006
Jeffrey Lacker, Richmond Federal Reserve President
I am not comfortable that we have got a downward trend that I can be that confident in at the present. And I am worried about the danger of inflation staying, remaining, about where it's been. September 27, 2006
William Poole, St. Louis Federal Reserve President
My own sense is that the outlook for the fed funds rate is roughly symmetrical. The spread between the fed funds rate and 10-year yield is negative and that is very unusual--extremely unlikely to be the long-run equilibrium situation. It looks like the worst of the inflation news may be behind us, but there is always the prospect of surprises. September 29, 2006
Hiroko Ota, Newly Appointed Japanese Economics Minister
They [the US Fed] are in the process of slowing down the economy to a cruising speed amid efforts to control inflationary worries. One way to look at it is that it will prolong growth. I think that the basic trend of theUS economy is still strong. September 29, 2006
BoJ: New Regime, Same Issues
Koji Omi, Newly Appointed Japanese Finance Minister
Judging from the current state of the economy, we can declare Japan's deflation is over. I think it's a bit unnatural not to do so now. October 3, 2006
Currency rates should reflect economic fundamentals. I'm hearing that people are saying the yen is somewhat weak against the euro, but I don't think we are at the stage to make special comments or act at the moment. September 27, 2006
Shinzo Abe, Newly Appointed Japanese Prime Minister
The government and the Bank of Japan will work together to achieve sustained economic expansion under price stability. I expect the Bank of Japan to support the economy through monetary policy. October 2, 2006
Japan's economy is now out of a long tunnel of stagnation and is on the verge of pulling out of deflation. October 2, 2006
Hiroshi Watanabe, Former Japanese Vice Japanese Finance Minister
The consumer price index has been making relatively positive moves this year, but it has been revised downward due to a change in the data calculation method, which has led to somewhat worrying moves in prices. We need to guide (economic) policy by carefully watching whether price growth will remain positive, and I think the Bank of Japan will also guide (monetary) policy with this point in mind. September 27, 2006
Yasuhisa Shiozaki, Newly Appointed Chief Cabinet Secretary
Basically, the Tankan showed that a good corporate performance is continuing, and that is in line with the government view that the economy is recovering. But I feel that figures among small and mid-sized firms should have been better. He also noted that he expects the Bank of Japan to follow an appropriate monetary policy by taking into account not only domestic but also overseas economic trends. October 2, 2006
Tadao Noda, Bank of Japan Board Member
Said that there is no change in the Bank of Japans intention to adjust interest rate levels gradually. September 29, 2006
PBoC: Behind Closed Doors
While US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has not made any statements on his talks with China, comments from both American and Chinese officials make it appear that some sort of consensus was reached?
Wen Jiabao, Chinese Premier
We will press ahead with all-round economic, political and social reform, boost the productive forces, strengthen democracy and the legal system. (The government) will resolutely fight against corruption to build a clean and honest government, ensure social fairness and justice and improve the socialist system. October 2, 2006
Zhou Xiaochuan, People's Bank of China Governor
China's policy direction on its exchange rate reform is clear cut: to gradually expand flexibility. Currently, we are gradually allowing market supply and demand to play a greater role. The weight of the role of the basket currency reference is slowly weakening, while market factors are slowly strengthening. This is a process. September 27, 2006
Charles Schumer, US Senator
Frankly, Lindsey and I felt it is now time to try, instead of using a blunt instrument, to refine our instrument and pass some legislation that will force the Chinese to go the rest of the way. September 28, 2006
Lindsey Graham, US Senator
Said that President George W. Bush personally asked him and Schumer not to take a vote, but to work with Secretary Paulson to give him a chance. September 28, 2006
Peoples Bank of China Statement
When asked if the Yuans recent faster rise against the USD and the decision by Senators Schumer and Graham to drop their bill indicated any policy change, a PBOC official said, We have no new policy statement. September 28, 2006
