Core Viewpoint - The central bank's monetary policy tools are categorized into general, selective, and unconventional tools, primarily aimed at regulating market liquidity, influencing interest rates, and subsequently controlling economic growth and inflation [1]. Group 1: General Monetary Policy Tools - These tools, known as the "three major weapons," affect the entire financial market, influencing overall credit scale and money supply [2]. - The reserve requirement ratio refers to the proportion of deposits that financial institutions must hold as reserves with the central bank. An increase in this ratio tightens market liquidity, while a decrease releases liquidity and lowers financing costs for businesses and households [3]. - The rediscount rate is the interest rate at which commercial banks can discount their bills with the central bank. An increase in this rate raises the financing costs for banks, leading them to tighten credit, while a decrease lowers costs and encourages lending [4]. - Open market operations involve the central bank buying and selling securities (such as government bonds) in the financial market to adjust money supply and market interest rates. Buying securities injects funds into the market, while selling them withdraws funds, thus tightening liquidity. This is the most commonly used and flexible monetary policy tool [5]. Group 2: Selective Monetary Policy Tools - These tools are more targeted, primarily regulating credit and funding flows in specific areas [6]. - Consumer credit control involves restrictions on down payment ratios and repayment terms for consumer installment purchases, thereby regulating the scale of consumer credit and influencing consumption demand [7]. - Securities market credit control adjusts the margin requirements for margin trading, controlling the scale of credit funds flowing into the securities market to prevent excessive speculation [8]. - Real estate credit control manages the down payment ratios and interest rates for real estate loans issued by financial institutions, regulating the flow of funds into the real estate market and stabilizing prices [9]. Group 3: Unconventional Monetary Policy Tools - These tools are employed when conventional tools become ineffective (e.g., when benchmark interest rates approach zero) to address special economic conditions [10]. - Quantitative easing (QE) involves the central bank purchasing large amounts of government bonds and mortgage-backed securities to inject liquidity into the market, lowering long-term interest rates and stimulating economic recovery. Conversely, quantitative tightening (QT) involves reducing or halting reinvestment in maturing bonds or directly selling assets to withdraw liquidity from the market and tighten money supply [11]. - Forward guidance is a strategy where the central bank publicly communicates the future direction of monetary policy (e.g., maintaining interest rates for a certain period) to guide market expectations and stabilize investment and consumption behaviors of economic entities [12].

Group 1 - The European Central Bank (ECB) must keep all options open regarding interest rate decisions due to high economic uncertainty, as stated by Joachim Nagel, a member of the ECB's governing council and the head of the German central bank [1] - Nagel emphasized that committing to a specific interest rate path or ruling out future actions would be unwise, highlighting the need for caution and data-driven decisions at each meeting [1] - With inflation having returned to the target level of 2% and the eurozone economy showing resilience against external challenges, ECB officials suggest that the series of rate cuts may be nearing an end, although some officials remain open to further easing [1] Group 2 - Concerns have been raised by several policymakers, including the head of the French central bank, about inflation potentially remaining below the ECB's 2% target, especially with a stronger euro [2] - The ECB's latest forecasts indicate that consumer price growth will remain below 2% for the next 18 months, with a return to the target level expected only by 2027 [2] - Nagel noted that while current inflation is around 2%, there is cautious optimism about maintaining this level in the medium term, despite ongoing high service sector inflation [2] Group 3 - Nagel reiterated that large-scale asset purchases should always be an absolute exception due to the risks they pose to the central bank's balance sheet [3] - Although ECB policymakers retain all tools, including quantitative easing, for future use, there is no clear indication of the conditions under which these tools would be employed [3] - Future use of quantitative easing may be approached with greater caution due to potential consequences such as central bank losses and asset bubbles [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article deeply analyzes the origins of modern central banking and discusses the relationship between fiscal and monetary policies in macroeconomic regulation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clear boundaries and coordination between the two [3][4]. Group 1: Historical Context and Evolution - The emergence of modern central banks is closely linked to the establishment of fiscal discipline and the gold standard, with the Bank of England recognized as the first modern central bank [8][9]. - The evolution of fiscal and monetary policies has been shaped by historical events, including the Great Depression, which highlighted the need for government intervention in economic activities [22][27]. - The transition from strict gold standard to a more flexible monetary system allowed central banks to adjust liquidity and money supply, reflecting the changing economic landscape [19][20]. Group 2: Policy Framework and Coordination - Fiscal and monetary policies are distinct yet interconnected tools for macroeconomic management, requiring independent decision-making by fiscal authorities and central banks to avoid severe issues [4][6]. - The article advocates for a clear delineation of responsibilities between fiscal and monetary policies, suggesting that both should adapt to the economic context while maintaining their primary objectives [4][30]. - The coordination of fiscal and monetary policies is essential for effective macroeconomic regulation, particularly in addressing short-term fluctuations and long-term structural reforms [4][31]. Group 3: Implications for Future Policy - The article emphasizes the need for reform in fiscal systems to enhance the effectiveness of macroeconomic policies, particularly in the context of China's economic development [4][30]. - It suggests that improving the decision-making mechanisms for fiscal and monetary policies can lead to better economic outcomes, particularly in promoting high-quality growth [4][30]. - The importance of communication with the market during crisis responses is highlighted, indicating that both fiscal and monetary authorities should work collaboratively to manage economic challenges [4][30].