Yeah, I'm lumping together Aso and Mester into the one post.

They deserve each other.

Japan finance minister Aso:

  • Cannot comment on effect of negative rate on JGB market

(Why not? You're the Finance Minister for goodness sake!)

  • Will implement policy so that market can absorb JGBs

President of the Cleveland Fed Mester:

  • Inflation expectations are stable even with low oil
  • Not worried about credibility issue with inflation
  • Market volatility lasting longer than the episode in August
  • Sees 'a little more downside risks' to US economy
  • Asked about market selloff, says 'you can read too much in to volatility'

Mester speaking with reporters

Headlines via Reuters and Bloomberg