Central bank

Updated 2026-09-20

Definition

The institution governing a currency's monetary policy, chiefly by setting rates: the Fed, ECB, Bank of England, Bank of Japan, RBA, SNB.

Why it matters

Its decisions and communication are among the main drivers of forex. The market reacts to surprises against expectations.

Practical example

A Fed press conference: an unexpected sentence can move the dollar by tens of pips.

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Full glossary

Educational content, not financial advice. Trading involves risk.