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July 1st - Six sources revealed that the European Central Bank (ECB) is considering doubling the required reserve ratio for banks to hold in interest-free accounts. This move would reduce the central banks own interest expenses and mitigate the side effects of its anti-inflationary measures. The sources said the potential increase is being discussed among ECB policymakers, with a proposed minimum reserve requirement to be raised from 1% to 2% of bank customer deposits and other funding sources. This would help central banks in cash-rich countries like Germany reduce losses from paying interest on bank deposits exceeding legal requirements. Over the past decade, these excess deposits have grown to trillions of euros through bond-buying stimulus programs. This move would also absorb some excess liquidity and advance the ECBs efforts to guide banks away from free cash, an issue that will be reconsidered in this years so-called framework review. The sources said a decision on the potential measure is expected before autumn. It is understood that internal discussions within the ECB are still in their early stages, and the Governing Council has not yet formally discussed the matter.July 1st - A survey reveals that global central banks are accelerating adjustments to their foreign exchange reserve structures as US political and geopolitical risks rise. A survey of 74 central banks by the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF) in London shows that for the first time, "the number of central banks planning to reduce their dollar holdings over the next decade exceeds those planning to increase them," reflecting a decline in the dollars attractiveness. The report points out that geopolitical factors have become one of the main reasons influencing the willingness to invest in the dollar, coupled with rising uncertainty in US trade policy, driving a global trend of "de-dollarization." Despite this, the dollar still accounts for approximately 58% of global central bank reserves and will maintain its dominant position in the short term. Meanwhile, central bank demand for gold has increased significantly, with a record proportion of surveyed institutions planning to increase their gold holdings to hedge against geopolitical risks and financial system instability. Furthermore, the euro and the renminbi are also gaining attractiveness, receiving more attention in international trade and diversification, respectively, while some emerging market currencies are also favored. Overall, the global reserve system is showing a slow trend of diversification; the dollars dominance remains, but its marginal advantage is declining.The Federal Reserve accepted a total of $26.9 billion from 10 counterparties in its fixed-rate reverse repurchase operations.Sources at the European Central Bank: Policymakers are discussing raising the minimum reserve requirement ratio for banks from 1% to 2%.European Central Bank sources say a decision on minimum reserve requirements is expected in the fall.

The US Claims Sime Darby Plantation Goods No Longer Use Forced Labor

Aria Thomas

Feb 03, 2023 11:40

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According to a notice published in the U.S. Federal Register on Thursday, U.S. customs officials have decided that palm oil goods manufactured by the Malaysian company Sime Darby Plantation are no longer made using forced labor.


Since 2020, goods produced by Sime Darby Plantation are prohibited from entering the United States because of suspicions of harsh labor practices. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated that it had sufficient evidence that the company used "forced labor" and that the commodities were vulnerable to confiscation.


In response, Sime Darby Plantation hired an ethical trade consulting firm to inspect its facilities and set aside almost $20 million last year to pay current and past migrant workers who paid recruitment fees to get employment at the company.


CBP, citing further evidence it had obtained, stated on Thursday that it had now "decided that the items were no longer mined, processed, or manufactured fully or in part by the Sime Darby Plantation using convict, forced, or indentured labor."


The CBP did not specify what proof it had received or whether it had removed the prohibition on the company's imports. The organization did not reply immediately to a request for comment.


Sime Darby acknowledged knowledge of the U.S. notice.


"We are optimistic that the USCBP will soon recognize the enormous efforts we have made in improving the quality of life for our staff and allow us to resume exports to the United States," a spokeswoman said in an email to Reuters.


Sime Darby Plantation is one of eight Malaysian companies that the United States has banned on allegations of forced labor in the previous four years.


By 2030, Malaysia aims to eradicate abusive practices such as debt bondage, filthy dormitories for workers, and excessive overtime, as declared in 2021.