Curated items for this range are still being collected. Below, read the related updates already included; items meeting the curation standard will be marked separately.
On October 13, 2026, the Federal Reserve released the minutes of the discount rate meetings held on August 17, September 9, and September 16, 2026, covering the review and determination of the discount rate offered to depository institutions through the discount window. The process by which the Federal Reserve sets the discount rate is independent of the process by which the Federal Open Market Committee sets the target range for the federal funds rate.
The HKMA announced on October 14 the Exchange Fund analytical account data as of end-September 2026. External assets of the Exchange Fund decreased by HK$76.7 billion to HK$3,576.0 billion during the month. The monetary base stood at HK$2,090.2 billion, claims on the private sector in Hong Kong at HK$473.0 billion, and external liabilities at HK$135.3 billion. This account is published in accordance with the IMF Special Data Dissemination Standard, and the release schedule for the full year 2027 has been announced simultaneously.
Following the established mechanism, the HKMA has raised its Base Rate by 25 basis points to 4.25%, effective immediately. This adjustment corresponds to the Federal Reserve's decision to raise the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to 3.75-4%, in line with market expectations. Hong Kong's monetary and financial markets continue to operate in an orderly manner. The HKMA will continue to closely monitor market developments to maintain monetary and financial stability.
The Federal Open Market Committee decided by a vote of 9-3 to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 3-1/2 to 3-3/4 percent to support its dual mandate. Three members dissented, preferring to raise the target range for the federal funds rate by 1/4 percentage point at this meeting. Inflation remains above the 2 percent target, and economic activity has continued to expand at a solid pace.
On July 14, 2026, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System released the minutes of its discount rate meetings held on June 8 and June 17, 2026, covering the review and determination of the discount rate offered to depository institutions through the discount window. The process for setting the discount rate is independent of the process by which the Federal Open Market Committee sets the target range for the federal funds rate.
