INFLATION

Brazil on Sunday defended its unorthodox strategies to cool its economy as the International Monetary Fund cautioned Latin America not to forget its basic tool for fighting inflation: the cost of money.

Brazil's central bank defended efforts to erect barriers to foreign money, arguing a deluge of capital was pressuring inflation and threatening the stability of financial markets.

The International Monetary Fund warned Latin America on Saturday that economies across the region are overheating, and Canada urged policymakers not to underestimate the risks from rising inflation.

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) should be much more aggressive, said Paul Sheard, global chief economist of Nomura Securities.

Thomas Hoenig, one of the most outspoken anti-inflation hawks among senior Federal Reserve officials, will step down as president of the Kansas City Fed October 1, the bank said on Friday.

NEW YORK, March 25 - The U.S. economy is on a firmer footing, and the U.S. central bank will have to reverse its easy money policy in the not-too-distant future to avoid sowing the seeds of inflation, a top Federal Reserve official said on Friday.

Thomas Hoenig, one of the most outspoken anti-inflation hawks among senior Federal Reserve officials, will step down from the Kansas City Fed October 1 as widely expected after he reaches mandatory retirement age, according to a bank statement on Friday.

Retail sales in Britain fell more than expected in February, as rising prices dampened consumer spending in the country.

The Gold Price rose sharply against all major currencies on Wednesday, touching near-two-week highs against the Dollar even as the US currency rose amid fresh European debt and budget concerns.

The UK budget, which was unveiled on Wednesday, has revealed no significant changes to the deficit-reduction plans set out by the coalition Government just after last summer’s election, an analyst has commented.

Britain cut its economic growth forecast on Wednesday and said inflation would remain above target this year and next in a budget that stuck to ambitious deficit-busting goals.

The U.S. recovery is gaining traction, two top Federal Reserve officials said on Tuesday, though they differed on the risks of inflation in the U.S. economy.

U.S. stock index futures were little changed on Tuesday as fighting in Libya, resolving Japan's crisis and the chances for a European interest rate hike next month kept investors jittery.

The Euro price of Gold Bullion today slipped back to last week's finish just below €32,000 per kilo - reversing Monday's 1.0% rise - as the single currency hit new 6-month highs to the Dollar above $1.4240.

The UK factory orders rose to a three-year high in March as strengthening domestic demand boosted manufacturing output in the country.

Consumer prices in Britain rose more than expected in February, strengthening speculation over interest rate hike by the Bank of England (BoE).

Prices to Buy Gold rose above $1418 per ounce Friday lunchtime in London, reversing this week's earlier 2.4% drop as crude oil fell and world stock markets rose further after news of an immediate cease-fire by the Gaddafi regime in Libya, prompted by the United Nations' no fly zone agreement.

Consumer prices increased at their fastest pace in more than 1-1/2 years in February as fresh data showed growth was accelerating, but underlying inflation pressures remained generally contained.

Consumer prices increased at their fastest pace in more than 1-1/2 years in February as fresh data showed growth was accelerating, but underlying inflation pressures remained generally contained.

Consumer prices rose at their fastest pace in more than 1-1/2 years in February, driven by higher food and energy prices, but underlying inflation pressures remained generally contained.

Consumer prices in the US rose slightly more than expected in February, as energy prices increased sharply.