This week: intrest rate decisions of Fed, BoJ, BoK, SNB

BOJ policy announcement

The Bank of Japan's latest monetary policy announcement is due during Asian morning hours on Tuesday. Central bank Governor Haruhiko Kuroda will hold a press conference afterward.

The BOJ is widely expected to stand pat on monetary policy, after January’s shock decision to adopt negative rates, but some speculate it could still cut rates deeper into negative territory as part of its ongoing effort to reflate a stagnant economy.

Fed rate decision

The Federal Reserve is not expected to take action on interest rates at the conclusion of its two day policy meeting at 18:00GMT, or 2:00PM ET, on Wednesday. The central bank will also release its latest forecasts for economic growth and interest rates.

Fed Chair Janet Yellen is to hold what will be a closely-watched press conference 30 minutes after the release of the Fed's statement, as investors look for any change in tone about the economy or future rate hikes.

Many in the market anticipate the pace of increases to be gradual amid concerns over tepid growth overseas and divergent monetary policies between the U.S. and other nations.

SNB policy assessment

The Swiss National Bank's quarterly policy assessment is due on Thursday at 8:30GMT, or 4:30AM ET. Most economists expect the central bank’s benchmark interest rate to remain unchanged at -0.75%, despite speculation it may move further into negative territory following the European Central Bank’s aggressive easing last week.

The SNB will also issue updated growth and inflation forecasts.

Bank of England "Super Thursday"

The Bank of England will release its rate decision and minutes of its Monetary Policy Committee meeting at 12:00GMT, or 8:00AM ET, on Thursday. Last month, the Monetary Policy Committee voted 9-0 to keep rates on hold at a record low 0.5%.

Expectations for a rate hike by the BOE have been recently pushed back to early-2017 due uncertainty over a June referendum on whether or not Britain should stay in the European Union.