Our Scans · (FS.1.02) Central Banking · Weekly Summary

• [New] A moderation in inflation could pave the way for Federal Reserve rate cuts, improving liquidity conditions for risk assets. Khaleej Times
• [New] The World Gold Council's 2026 Central Bank Gold Reserves Survey found 89% of respondents expect global official gold reserves to rise over the next twelve months, a record 45% plan to increase their own holdings, and 74% anticipate lower dollar holdings over the next five years. investing.com
• [New] Across asset classes, investors are increasingly uneasy even as the Federal Reserve maintains a patient stance on inflation risk. investing.com
• [New] The Bank of England has kept UK interest rates on hold as it warned that a further escalation in the Iran war could drive inflation above 4% in 2027, adding to cost of living pressures on households. The Guardian
• [New] The Bank of England identifies 4% inflation as particularly worrisome when it comes to second-round inflation risks. investing.com
• [New] The most immediate downside risk remains a prolonged escalation of the Middle East conflict that lifts inflation and long-term interest rates and pushes the Federal Reserve toward renewed policy tightening. Fox Business
• [New] Gold has rallied on safe-haven demand and hopes of US interest rate cuts, although a stronger dollar and a crude oil-led inflation scare amid the Iran war have occasionally limited gains. Mining Weekly
• [New] The rise in bond yields comes as worries over a Federal Reserve rate hike in 2026 eased in recent weeks, given recent softer than expected inflation prints. Precious Metals International Ltd.
• [New] The dollar has climbed as escalating tensions in the Middle East spark concerns over energy supply disruptions and fuel expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates. financialpost
• [New] Should tensions in the Middle East ease and energy markets stabilize, the outlook for inflation and Federal Reserve policy could improve just as quickly as it deteriorated over the past month. Rhame & Gorrell Wealth Management | The Woodlands Finan
• [New] In addition to monetary policy, warning signs have emerged in the underlying fundamentals of the US economy. Cashback Island
• [New] Bank of England flags AI as a financial-stability threat The Bank of England said AI poses growing risks to financial stability, particularly because of investor exuberance and rising cyberattack exposure across banks and markets. Prompt Injection
• [New] The US Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady at 3.5% to 3.75% amid ongoing inflation concerns and geopolitical tensions affecting energy prices. ST
• [New] Mexico's central bank is expected to hold borrowing costs steady on Thursday but signal that it is ready to follow the U.S. Federal Reserve with an interest rate hike to prop up a slumping peso. Financial IT
• [New] The Federal Reserve established a $120 billion special low-interest green PV loan fund, complemented by World Bank and EU green credit facilities, cutting average financing costs for PV projects by 150 basis points from 2026 to 2030. Solar Panel Production Equipment and Machinery-Lithium
• [New] The Federal Reserve is expected to leave interest rates unchanged at its July meeting next week, but rising oil prices have prompted investors to sharply increase their bets that a fresh rate hike could come later in 2026. CBS News
• [New] The European Central Bank raised rates in June for the first time since 2023, with markets now leaning towards two further hikes over 2027. / USA Saltus
• [New] Increased M&A activity by Big Pharma, anticipated interest rate cuts, and a backlog of companies with late-stage assets suggest an uptick in IPO activity in late 2026 and into 2027. BIO International Convention 2026
• [New] Investors will closely track Japan's inflation data for interest rate cues and India's PMI readings for fresh signals on economic activity and business confidence. Economic Times
• [New] Markets are overestimating the extent of central bank hawkishness, leading to opportunities in shorter U.S. rates and across interest rate curves globally. Seeking Alpha
• [New] Bitcoin price discovery will benefit from easing liquidity conditions, a dovish Federal Reserve, and renewed institutional demand. Bitcoin Foundation
• [New] Rising oil prices and renewed shipping risks could push petrol, transport and imported-goods costs higher before the Bank of England has achieved lasting price stability. / UK CLAREMONT

Last updated: 06 August 2026