The Dominican Republic's central bank left its monetary policy rate at 5.75 percent, saying inflation is forecast to remain within its target range and economic growth this year should be between 5.0 and 5.5 percent, in line with its monetary program's projection.
The Central Bank of the Dominican Republic (BCRD) raised its rate by 25 basis points on April 2 in the first hike since November last year due to an acceleration in inflation in February.
Since then inflation has continued to rise but at a slower pace.
Inflation in February jumped to 3.34 percent from 2.33 percent in January, but then eased to 3.14 percent in March before rising to 3.51 percent in April.
The BCRD, which targets inflation of 4.0 percent, plus/minus 1 percentage point, added that underlying inflation, which is related to monetary conditions, amounted to 2.16 percent in April.
Economic activity in the Dominican Republic grew by 5.2 percent in the first quarter of this year, gradually approaching the country's potential, but preliminary data for economic activity shows more moderate growth in April due to intense rains in some parts of the country, the bank said.
Despite this, growth is seen in the range of 5.0-5.5 percent this year, down from an estimated 6.6 percent in 2016.
Last month the International Monetary Fund said the economic outlook for the Dominican Republic was favorable, while the recent rise in fuel prices will push inflation to the target.
The IMF forecast 2017 growth of 5.3 percent and 5.0 percent in 2018 and average inflation of 3.9 percent this year and 4.2 percent next year.
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Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Brazil cuts rate 100 bps but expects smaller cut in July
Brazil's central bank lowered its benchmark Selic rate by another 100 basis points to 10.25 percent but said a more moderate rate cut relative to today's cut was likely appropriate at its next policy decision in late July.
The Central Bank of Brazil has now cut its rate by 400 basis points since embarking on an easing cycle in October 2016 and by 350 basis points this year alone.
Today's rate cut was widely expected as economists doubted that Brazil's second presidential crises in a year would sway the central bank from continuing to lower rates in synch with falling inflation and inflation expectations.
While the central bank's monetary policy committee, Copom, said the size of another rate cut on July 26 - when the next meeting is scheduled - is likely be less than today's cut, it added "the pace of monetary easing will continue to depend on the evolution of economic activity, the balance of risks, possible reassessments of the extension of the cycle, and on inflation forecasts and expectations."
In October and November last year the central bank cut the rate by 25 basis points each time and then accelerated the pace of easing to 75 points in both January and February this year. This was followed by cuts of 100 points in April and today.
While Copom said inflation developments remained favorable with "widespread" disinflation, it underscored heightened uncertainty surrounding its inflation forecasts with the speed of economic reforms and changes to the Brazilian economy as the main risks factor.
While Brazil's economy is improving after two years of deep recession, the central bank cautioned that sustained uncertainty over economic reforms "can have detrimental effects on economic activity."
As in April, Copom was unanimous in its policy decision and said it is still assuming that the Selic rate will end at 8.50 percent by the end of this year and then remain at that level until end-2018.
Copom's inflation projection for this year were once again lowered to 4.0 percent from 4.1 percent in forecast in April but then raised to 4.6 percent from 4.5 percent.
Brazil's inflation rate in April eased to 4.08 percent from 4.57 percent in March, within the central bank's inflation target of 4.5 percent, plus/minus 1.5 percentage points.
After falling in 2014 and 2015, Brazil's real has firmed since early 2016 though it was hit by news of a corruption scandal that may topple President Michel Temer who became acting president in May last year after Dilma Rousseff was suspended from her duties while facing impeachment trial.
The real was trading at 3.22 to the U.S. dollar today, up 1.2 percent this year.
The Central Bank of Brazil has now cut its rate by 400 basis points since embarking on an easing cycle in October 2016 and by 350 basis points this year alone.
Today's rate cut was widely expected as economists doubted that Brazil's second presidential crises in a year would sway the central bank from continuing to lower rates in synch with falling inflation and inflation expectations.
While the central bank's monetary policy committee, Copom, said the size of another rate cut on July 26 - when the next meeting is scheduled - is likely be less than today's cut, it added "the pace of monetary easing will continue to depend on the evolution of economic activity, the balance of risks, possible reassessments of the extension of the cycle, and on inflation forecasts and expectations."
In October and November last year the central bank cut the rate by 25 basis points each time and then accelerated the pace of easing to 75 points in both January and February this year. This was followed by cuts of 100 points in April and today.
While Copom said inflation developments remained favorable with "widespread" disinflation, it underscored heightened uncertainty surrounding its inflation forecasts with the speed of economic reforms and changes to the Brazilian economy as the main risks factor.
While Brazil's economy is improving after two years of deep recession, the central bank cautioned that sustained uncertainty over economic reforms "can have detrimental effects on economic activity."
As in April, Copom was unanimous in its policy decision and said it is still assuming that the Selic rate will end at 8.50 percent by the end of this year and then remain at that level until end-2018.
Copom's inflation projection for this year were once again lowered to 4.0 percent from 4.1 percent in forecast in April but then raised to 4.6 percent from 4.5 percent.
Brazil's inflation rate in April eased to 4.08 percent from 4.57 percent in March, within the central bank's inflation target of 4.5 percent, plus/minus 1.5 percentage points.
After falling in 2014 and 2015, Brazil's real has firmed since early 2016 though it was hit by news of a corruption scandal that may topple President Michel Temer who became acting president in May last year after Dilma Rousseff was suspended from her duties while facing impeachment trial.
The real was trading at 3.22 to the U.S. dollar today, up 1.2 percent this year.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Kyrgyzstan maintains rate, inflation seen around target
Kyrgyzstan's central bank left its benchmark discount rate at 5.0 percent, confirming that it still expects inflation to be close to its target of 5-7 percent by the end of this year with the current level of the discount rate helping stimulate the economy.
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (NBKR) has maintained its rate since December 2016 when it last cut it as part of a 500-basis-point easing cycle that began in March 2016.
Kyrgyzstan's inflation rate was estimated by the central bank at 3.7 percent in May, down from 3.8 percent in April but up from 2.8 percent in March.
Between September and December last year inflation was negative and the NBKR does not expect inflation to exceed its target range in the medium term.
Higher prices are supported by a recovery in domestic consumption, remittances from workers abroad and higher external demand, the bank said.
Kyrgyzstan's economy is growing, with Gross Domestic Product up by an annual 7.7 percent in the January-April period, up from 3.8 percent in the fourth quarter of last year. Excluding output from the Kumtor gold mine, GDP was up 4.0 percent.
Last month the International Monetary Fund forecast 3.5 percent growth this year as external and internal demand continue to improve.
The domestic foreign exchange market remains stable, the central bank said, adding the tendency of the som to strengthen is continuing, with the exchange rate this year up 1.9 percent as of May 26.
During the month of May, the central bank said it didn't intervene in the foreign exchange market.
Between March 18 and April 27 the som rose 3.1 percent to 67.2 per dollar but has since then it has eased to trade at 68.0 today, up 1.8 percent since the start of this year.
In April dealers reported that the central bank had intervened by buying U.S. dollars and the IMF has recommended the NBKR should only intervene to mitigate excessive volatility.
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The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic (NBKR) has maintained its rate since December 2016 when it last cut it as part of a 500-basis-point easing cycle that began in March 2016.
Kyrgyzstan's inflation rate was estimated by the central bank at 3.7 percent in May, down from 3.8 percent in April but up from 2.8 percent in March.
Between September and December last year inflation was negative and the NBKR does not expect inflation to exceed its target range in the medium term.
Higher prices are supported by a recovery in domestic consumption, remittances from workers abroad and higher external demand, the bank said.
Kyrgyzstan's economy is growing, with Gross Domestic Product up by an annual 7.7 percent in the January-April period, up from 3.8 percent in the fourth quarter of last year. Excluding output from the Kumtor gold mine, GDP was up 4.0 percent.
Last month the International Monetary Fund forecast 3.5 percent growth this year as external and internal demand continue to improve.
The domestic foreign exchange market remains stable, the central bank said, adding the tendency of the som to strengthen is continuing, with the exchange rate this year up 1.9 percent as of May 26.
During the month of May, the central bank said it didn't intervene in the foreign exchange market.
Between March 18 and April 27 the som rose 3.1 percent to 67.2 per dollar but has since then it has eased to trade at 68.0 today, up 1.8 percent since the start of this year.
In April dealers reported that the central bank had intervened by buying U.S. dollars and the IMF has recommended the NBKR should only intervene to mitigate excessive volatility.
www.CentralBankNews.info
Monday, May 29, 2017
Kenya maintains rate as inflation seen above target
Kenya's central bank kept its Central Bank Rate (CBR) at 10.0 percent, as expected, saying its current policy stance had reduced the threat of demand-driven inflation, which is still expected to remain above the government's target in the near term due to higher prices of some food items.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), which has maintained its rate since cutting it to the current level in September 2016, added recent rains and intervention by the government are expected to provide some relief to the recent rise in food prices, with non-food, non-fuel inflation stable at 5.0 percent, suggesting that demand pressures and pass-through of higher food prices are muted.
Kenya's headline inflation rate rose to 11.5 percent in April from 10.3 percent in March to the highest level since May 2012 as drought pushed up prices of maize flour, sugar, kales and tomatoes.
Kenya targets inflation of 5.0 percent, plus/minus 2.5 percentage points.
But Kenya's shilling has remained stable this year, supported by a narrower current account deficit as tourism, coffee exports and remittances from abroad have remained strong. Tea and horticulture has remain resilient despite lower export volumes from adverse weather in the first quarter.
The shilling was trading at 103.3 to the U.S. dollar today, down 1 percent this year.
The CBK added its foreign exchange reserves were at all-time high levels and currently at US$8.239.9 billion, or 5.4 months of imports, up from $7.716.4 billion end-March. Together with IMF arrangements of $1.5 billion, this continues to "provide a buffer against short-term shocks."
In September last year Kenya's government imposed a cap on banks' interest rates and the CBK said a May private market perception survey showed marginally weaker expectations for economic growth from its March survey due to the impact of drought and a slower private sector growth.
Data shows that the number of loan applications rose by 23.4 percent from August 2016 to April 2017, but the value of the applications fell by 18.3 percent. Loan approvals rose 35.7 percent while their value fell by 16.3 percent, the central bank said.
However, the central bank added that credit to private households, manufacturing, and real estate had picked up in March and April this year.
Kenya's economy expanded by 5.8 percent in 2016, up from 5.7 percent in 2015.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), which has maintained its rate since cutting it to the current level in September 2016, added recent rains and intervention by the government are expected to provide some relief to the recent rise in food prices, with non-food, non-fuel inflation stable at 5.0 percent, suggesting that demand pressures and pass-through of higher food prices are muted.
Kenya's headline inflation rate rose to 11.5 percent in April from 10.3 percent in March to the highest level since May 2012 as drought pushed up prices of maize flour, sugar, kales and tomatoes.
Kenya targets inflation of 5.0 percent, plus/minus 2.5 percentage points.
But Kenya's shilling has remained stable this year, supported by a narrower current account deficit as tourism, coffee exports and remittances from abroad have remained strong. Tea and horticulture has remain resilient despite lower export volumes from adverse weather in the first quarter.
The shilling was trading at 103.3 to the U.S. dollar today, down 1 percent this year.
The CBK added its foreign exchange reserves were at all-time high levels and currently at US$8.239.9 billion, or 5.4 months of imports, up from $7.716.4 billion end-March. Together with IMF arrangements of $1.5 billion, this continues to "provide a buffer against short-term shocks."
In September last year Kenya's government imposed a cap on banks' interest rates and the CBK said a May private market perception survey showed marginally weaker expectations for economic growth from its March survey due to the impact of drought and a slower private sector growth.
Data shows that the number of loan applications rose by 23.4 percent from August 2016 to April 2017, but the value of the applications fell by 18.3 percent. Loan approvals rose 35.7 percent while their value fell by 16.3 percent, the central bank said.
However, the central bank added that credit to private households, manufacturing, and real estate had picked up in March and April this year.
Kenya's economy expanded by 5.8 percent in 2016, up from 5.7 percent in 2015.
Saturday, May 27, 2017
This week in monetary policy: Israel, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Angola, Bulgaria, Brazil and Dominican Rep.
This week (May 28 through June 3) central banks from 7 countries or
jurisdictions are scheduled to decide on monetary policy: Israel, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Angola, Bulgaria, Brazil and Dominican Republic.
Following table includes the name of the country, the date of the next policy
decision, the current policy rate, the result of the last policy decision, the
change in the policy rate year to date, the rate one year ago, and the
country’s MSCI classification.
The
table is updated when the latest decisions are announced and can always
accessed by clicking on This Week.
WEEK 22 | ||||||
MAY 28 - JUN 3, 2017: | ||||||
COUNTRY | DATE | RATE | LATEST | YTD | 1 YR AGO | MSCI |
ISRAEL | 29-May | 0.10% | 0 | 0 | 0.10% | DM |
KENYA | 29-May | 10.00% | 0 | 0 | 10.50% | FM |
KYRGYZSTAN | 29-May | 5.00% | 0 | 0 | 6.00% | |
ANGOLA | 30-May | 16.00% | 0 | 0 | 14.00% | |
BULGARIA | 31-May | 0.00% | 0 | 0 | 0.00% | FM |
BRAZIL | 31-May | 11.25% | -100 | -250 | 14.25% | EM |
DOMINICAN REP. | 30-Apr | 5.75% | 0 | 25 | 5.00% |
Friday, May 26, 2017
Fiji maintains rate as 2017 growth forecast revised up
Fiji's central bank kept its Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 0.50 percent - unchanged since October 2011 - and confirmed last week's upward revision of its 2017 growth forecast to 3.8 percent from October 2016's forecast of 3.6 percent.
The Reserve Bank of Fiji also said its dual monetary policy objectives remain intact, with inflation easing to 4.1 percent in April from 5.6 percent in March, and foreign reserves of $2.240 billion as of May 25, up from $1.991 billion as of March 30, sufficient to cover 5.6 months of imports.
Fiji's economy was hit hard in February 2016 by Tropical Cyclone Winston, the worst ever cyclone in the Southern Hemisphere, resulting in higher inflation from a shortage of some food items, including the national drink of yaqona.
Inflation this year will continue to be affected by domestic supply shortages but price hikes in the wake of the cyclone are expected to taper off, with inflation expected to fall to 3.0 percent by the end of this year as supply normalizes for most agricultural products, according to Barry Whiteside, central bank governor.
The outlook for Fiji's economy has improved this year due to the spill-over of last year's reconstruction from cyclone-related damages, especially the construction sector, and the wholesale and retail sector benefitting from increased sales of hardware and related building items.
Except for the sectors of fishery, forestry and mining, all other sectors are supported by buoyant consumption and improving investment activity. Manufacturing will be underpinned by an expected rebound in cane production, Whiteside said.
Last week the central bank revised upward its 2017 growth projection and maintained its 2018 growth forecast of 3.0 percent compared with 2016's estimated growth of 2.0 percent.
For 2019 the economy is forecast to grow 2.9 percent.
Fiji's 2017 current account deficit, excluding aircraft, is forecast around 5.4 percent of Gross Domestic Product but the capital and financial account balance is expected to show a bigger surplus than the 7.0 percent of GDP previously forecast due to higher inflows of foreign direct investment and the disbursement of a US$50 million loan from the Asian Development Bank for cyclone-related recovery work, the central bank said last week.
The Reserve Bank of Fiji also said its dual monetary policy objectives remain intact, with inflation easing to 4.1 percent in April from 5.6 percent in March, and foreign reserves of $2.240 billion as of May 25, up from $1.991 billion as of March 30, sufficient to cover 5.6 months of imports.
Fiji's economy was hit hard in February 2016 by Tropical Cyclone Winston, the worst ever cyclone in the Southern Hemisphere, resulting in higher inflation from a shortage of some food items, including the national drink of yaqona.
Inflation this year will continue to be affected by domestic supply shortages but price hikes in the wake of the cyclone are expected to taper off, with inflation expected to fall to 3.0 percent by the end of this year as supply normalizes for most agricultural products, according to Barry Whiteside, central bank governor.
The outlook for Fiji's economy has improved this year due to the spill-over of last year's reconstruction from cyclone-related damages, especially the construction sector, and the wholesale and retail sector benefitting from increased sales of hardware and related building items.
Except for the sectors of fishery, forestry and mining, all other sectors are supported by buoyant consumption and improving investment activity. Manufacturing will be underpinned by an expected rebound in cane production, Whiteside said.
Last week the central bank revised upward its 2017 growth projection and maintained its 2018 growth forecast of 3.0 percent compared with 2016's estimated growth of 2.0 percent.
For 2019 the economy is forecast to grow 2.9 percent.
Fiji's 2017 current account deficit, excluding aircraft, is forecast around 5.4 percent of Gross Domestic Product but the capital and financial account balance is expected to show a bigger surplus than the 7.0 percent of GDP previously forecast due to higher inflows of foreign direct investment and the disbursement of a US$50 million loan from the Asian Development Bank for cyclone-related recovery work, the central bank said last week.
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Ukraine cuts rate another 50 bps and sees further easing
Ukraine's central bank cut its policy rate by a further 50 basis points to 12.50 percent and said it may continue easing its monetary policy, with the speed and size of further rate cuts based on how fast inflation falls towards the bank's target this year and in 2018.
The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has now cut its rate 150 basis points this year and by 1,750 points since embarking on its easing cycle in August 2015.
Last year the central bank cut its key rate by 800 basis points and said it expects to cut the rate this year "less markedly," noting the rate started this year at 14.0 percent. In April the NBU cut the rate by 100 basis points.
The central bank added that an easing of its monetary policy could take other forms than rate cuts, such as a relaxation of administrative restrictions in the foreign exchange market.
Ukraine's inflation rate fell to 12.2 percent in April from 15.1 percent in March as the exchange rate of the hryvnia continued to appreciate due to inflow of foreign exchange from agricultural and metallurgical exports despite the negative impact from halted freight traffic and the seizure of companies in the rebel-held easter regions of the country.
The central bank said its inflation targets for 2017 and 2018 "remain within reach" and disruptions from halted freight traffic should have no significant impact on inflation.
Inflation in May is likely to accelerate due to higher food prices and administered prices.
The NBU targets inflation of 8.0 percent, plus/minus 2 percentage points, in 2017 and 6.0 percent, plus/minus 2 percentage points, in 2018. In its April inflation report, the central bank forecast that inflation would slow to 9.1 percent by the end of this year and 6.0 percent by end-2018.
A major risk to reaching this target comes from the government's fiscal policy, with the NBU saying there is a risk that higher social standards and wages could be raised too much.
The value of the hryvnia plunged by 66 percent from the start of 2014 to the end of 2015 but has been appreciating since mid-January this year.
Today the hryvnia was trading at 26.28 to the U.S. dollar, up 2.7 percent since the start of this year, with the NBU saying it has remained committed to a flexible exchange rate regime and not countered the rise in the exchange rate but purchased excess foreign exchange to replenish its foreign reserves, with purchases topping US$1 billion this year.
The stable situation in the foreign exchange market has helped lower inflation expectations and households have continued to actively sell foreign currency, allowing banks to maintain a supply of foreign exchange. Banks have purchased US$982 million this year, the central bank said.
Ukraine's economy is also improving as consumer demand gains momentum, with retail turnover up by 6.1 percent year-on-year in April.
But Ukraine's economy slowed in the first quarter as industrial output was hit by the stop in freight traffic between the government-held part of the country and the rebel-held Donetsk region.
Gross Domestic Product grew by an annual 2.4 percent in the first quarter of this year, down from 4.8 percent in the previous quarter.
The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has now cut its rate 150 basis points this year and by 1,750 points since embarking on its easing cycle in August 2015.
Last year the central bank cut its key rate by 800 basis points and said it expects to cut the rate this year "less markedly," noting the rate started this year at 14.0 percent. In April the NBU cut the rate by 100 basis points.
The central bank added that an easing of its monetary policy could take other forms than rate cuts, such as a relaxation of administrative restrictions in the foreign exchange market.
Ukraine's inflation rate fell to 12.2 percent in April from 15.1 percent in March as the exchange rate of the hryvnia continued to appreciate due to inflow of foreign exchange from agricultural and metallurgical exports despite the negative impact from halted freight traffic and the seizure of companies in the rebel-held easter regions of the country.
The central bank said its inflation targets for 2017 and 2018 "remain within reach" and disruptions from halted freight traffic should have no significant impact on inflation.
Inflation in May is likely to accelerate due to higher food prices and administered prices.
The NBU targets inflation of 8.0 percent, plus/minus 2 percentage points, in 2017 and 6.0 percent, plus/minus 2 percentage points, in 2018. In its April inflation report, the central bank forecast that inflation would slow to 9.1 percent by the end of this year and 6.0 percent by end-2018.
A major risk to reaching this target comes from the government's fiscal policy, with the NBU saying there is a risk that higher social standards and wages could be raised too much.
The value of the hryvnia plunged by 66 percent from the start of 2014 to the end of 2015 but has been appreciating since mid-January this year.
Today the hryvnia was trading at 26.28 to the U.S. dollar, up 2.7 percent since the start of this year, with the NBU saying it has remained committed to a flexible exchange rate regime and not countered the rise in the exchange rate but purchased excess foreign exchange to replenish its foreign reserves, with purchases topping US$1 billion this year.
The stable situation in the foreign exchange market has helped lower inflation expectations and households have continued to actively sell foreign currency, allowing banks to maintain a supply of foreign exchange. Banks have purchased US$982 million this year, the central bank said.
Ukraine's economy is also improving as consumer demand gains momentum, with retail turnover up by 6.1 percent year-on-year in April.
But Ukraine's economy slowed in the first quarter as industrial output was hit by the stop in freight traffic between the government-held part of the country and the rebel-held Donetsk region.
Gross Domestic Product grew by an annual 2.4 percent in the first quarter of this year, down from 4.8 percent in the previous quarter.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Canada holds rate, says data, investment "encouraging"
Canada's central bank left its benchmark target for the overnight rate at 0.50 percent, as widely expected, and described economic data as "encouraging," including that of business investment, and that the country's economy had now largely adjusted to lower oil prices.
But while the Bank of Canada (BOC) was more upbeat about the economic outlook, it said inflation remains below its 2 percent target as food prices continue to decline and wage growth remains subdued, consistent with continued "ongoing excess capacity" in the economy.
The BOC has maintained its rate since July 2015 but based on an improving economy, economists are looking for the bank to signal that it will start to tighten its policy and at least unwind two rate cuts in 2015 to cushion the economy from the fall in crude oil prices.
In its previous statement from April, the BOC said economic growth had been faster than it expected but business investment remained well below what could be expected. Today's statement shows that the bank is encouraged by rising business investment.
Last month the BOC also said there was "material excess capacity" in the economy, a slightly more downbeat view than in today's statement when it omitted "material."
But exports from Canada, remain subdued, as the central bank expected, and strong growth in the first quarter of this year is likely to be followed by some moderation in the second quarter.
Canada's dollar weakened steadily against the U.S. dollar from 2013 through 2015 before bouncing back in early 2016. But since April last year, the Canadian dollar - known as the loonie - has been trending lower although it has risen in the last month.
The loonie was trading at 1.35 to the U.S. dollar today, largely unchanged this year but up by 3 percent since the start of 2016.
The BOC, which will update its economic forecast in July, said low inflation was broadly as it had expected. In its April outlook, BOC forecast that inflation would dip in coming months before slowing returning to 2 percent as the output gap closes.
Canada's headline inflation was steady at 1.6 percent in April and March and BOC forecasts last month that inflation will average 1.9 percent this year, 2.0 percent in 2018 and 2.1 percent in 2019.
In April the BOC raised its growth forecast for this year to 2.6 percent from 2.1 percent, up from 2016 growth of 1.4 percent. Growth in 2018 and 2019 was forecast just below 2 percent.
But while the Bank of Canada (BOC) was more upbeat about the economic outlook, it said inflation remains below its 2 percent target as food prices continue to decline and wage growth remains subdued, consistent with continued "ongoing excess capacity" in the economy.
The BOC has maintained its rate since July 2015 but based on an improving economy, economists are looking for the bank to signal that it will start to tighten its policy and at least unwind two rate cuts in 2015 to cushion the economy from the fall in crude oil prices.
In its previous statement from April, the BOC said economic growth had been faster than it expected but business investment remained well below what could be expected. Today's statement shows that the bank is encouraged by rising business investment.
Last month the BOC also said there was "material excess capacity" in the economy, a slightly more downbeat view than in today's statement when it omitted "material."
But exports from Canada, remain subdued, as the central bank expected, and strong growth in the first quarter of this year is likely to be followed by some moderation in the second quarter.
Canada's dollar weakened steadily against the U.S. dollar from 2013 through 2015 before bouncing back in early 2016. But since April last year, the Canadian dollar - known as the loonie - has been trending lower although it has risen in the last month.
The loonie was trading at 1.35 to the U.S. dollar today, largely unchanged this year but up by 3 percent since the start of 2016.
The BOC, which will update its economic forecast in July, said low inflation was broadly as it had expected. In its April outlook, BOC forecast that inflation would dip in coming months before slowing returning to 2 percent as the output gap closes.
Canada's headline inflation was steady at 1.6 percent in April and March and BOC forecasts last month that inflation will average 1.9 percent this year, 2.0 percent in 2018 and 2.1 percent in 2019.
In April the BOC raised its growth forecast for this year to 2.6 percent from 2.1 percent, up from 2016 growth of 1.4 percent. Growth in 2018 and 2019 was forecast just below 2 percent.
Tunisia raises rate another 25 bps to curb inflation
Tunisia's central bank raised its key interest rate by a further 25 basis points to 5.0 percent in order to limit the impact on the economy from rising inflationary pressure and a growing current account deficit.
The Central Bank of Tunisia (CBT) has now raised its rate by a total of 75 basis points this year following a 50 point hike in April at an extraordinary meeting of its board following a sharp fall in the dinar's exchange rate. This was the CBT's first change in rates since October 2015.
Meeting on May 23, the CBT board said it had taken note of the rise in inflation in recent months.
Tunisia's headline inflation rate rose to 5.0 percent in April from 4.8 percent in March and 3.4 percent in April last year. Underlying inflation, which excludes fresh and farmed products, was 5.9 percent.
The central bank said there was growing pressure on bank liquidity from a widening current account deficit and an increased need for funds by the state budget. This has led the central bank to step up its interventions in the money market.
The central bank also said it had worked to ensure a balance between supply and demand in the foreign exchange market to help mitigate fluctuations and gradually restore stability.
The April rate hike came in the wake of a slump in the dinar following a call by the International Monetary Fund on Tunisia to adopt a more flexible exchange rate. Tunisia's finance minister then said the central bank would reduce its interventions in the foreign exchange market to the value of the dinar gradually declines to help boost exports and lower imports, reducing the trade deficit.
The IMF also said on April 17 that tighter monetary policy would help counteract inflationary pressures, give further flexibility to the exchange rate, and narrow the trade deficit.
On April 20 and 21 the dinar fell by almost 9 percent to 2.52 to the U.S. dollar but it then rebounded in the following days.
Today the dinar was trading at 2.42 to the dollar, down almost 5 percent this year.
The central bank welcomed improved economic growth in the first quarter of this year and called for further consolidation of growth in light of the major economic challenges and financial difficulties facing the country.
Tunisia's Gross Domestic Product grew by an annual rate of 2.1 percent in the first quarter of this year, up from 1.1 percent in the fourth quarter of last year.
The IMF expects growth to double this year to 2.3 percent. However, this is still too sluggish to significantly lower unemployment, especially in the interior parts of the country and among the youth.
Tunisia's official unemployment rate eased to 15.3 percent in the first quarter from 15.50 percent in the previous two quarters.
www.CentralBankNews.info
The Central Bank of Tunisia (CBT) has now raised its rate by a total of 75 basis points this year following a 50 point hike in April at an extraordinary meeting of its board following a sharp fall in the dinar's exchange rate. This was the CBT's first change in rates since October 2015.
Meeting on May 23, the CBT board said it had taken note of the rise in inflation in recent months.
Tunisia's headline inflation rate rose to 5.0 percent in April from 4.8 percent in March and 3.4 percent in April last year. Underlying inflation, which excludes fresh and farmed products, was 5.9 percent.
The central bank said there was growing pressure on bank liquidity from a widening current account deficit and an increased need for funds by the state budget. This has led the central bank to step up its interventions in the money market.
The central bank also said it had worked to ensure a balance between supply and demand in the foreign exchange market to help mitigate fluctuations and gradually restore stability.
The April rate hike came in the wake of a slump in the dinar following a call by the International Monetary Fund on Tunisia to adopt a more flexible exchange rate. Tunisia's finance minister then said the central bank would reduce its interventions in the foreign exchange market to the value of the dinar gradually declines to help boost exports and lower imports, reducing the trade deficit.
The IMF also said on April 17 that tighter monetary policy would help counteract inflationary pressures, give further flexibility to the exchange rate, and narrow the trade deficit.
On April 20 and 21 the dinar fell by almost 9 percent to 2.52 to the U.S. dollar but it then rebounded in the following days.
Today the dinar was trading at 2.42 to the dollar, down almost 5 percent this year.
The central bank welcomed improved economic growth in the first quarter of this year and called for further consolidation of growth in light of the major economic challenges and financial difficulties facing the country.
Tunisia's Gross Domestic Product grew by an annual rate of 2.1 percent in the first quarter of this year, up from 1.1 percent in the fourth quarter of last year.
The IMF expects growth to double this year to 2.3 percent. However, this is still too sluggish to significantly lower unemployment, especially in the interior parts of the country and among the youth.
Tunisia's official unemployment rate eased to 15.3 percent in the first quarter from 15.50 percent in the previous two quarters.
www.CentralBankNews.info
Thailand holds rate as outlook for growth improves
Thailand's central bank left its policy rate at 1.50 percent, as widely expected, but was slightly more optimistic about the outlook for economic growth as exports continue to recover and improved farm income and consumer confidence bolsters private consumption.
The Bank of Thailand (BOT), which has maintained its rate since April 2015, added that inflation has been softer than expected but is still expected to rise in the second half of the year.
"The Committee assessed that the Thai economy's growth outlook improved further despite facing risks especially on the external front," the BOT said, a more optimistic tone than in its previous policy statement from March when it said the economy "continued to gain traction," but there were considerable uncertainties related to the global economy.
But unlike its March statement, when the BOT said the a recent appreciation of the Thai baht "might not be as beneficial to the economy as it could," today it merely observed that the exchange rate in the recent period was in line with regional currencies.
The baht fell sharply from the "taper tantrum" of April 2013 to September 2015 but since then it has been slowly appreciating, especially this year.
The bath was trading at 34.36 to the U.S. dollar today, up 4.2 percent this year.
Thailand's economy expanded by 1.3 percent in the first quarter of this year from the previous quarter for the fastest pace since the fourth quarter of 2012, boosted by consumption and exports.
On an annual basis, Gross Domestic Product was up 3.3 percent, up from 3.0 percent in the fourth quarter of last year, as tourism also continued to recover, as expected. Public spending continues to remain an important driver of economic activity.
The government's planning agency has raised its outlook for export growth this year to 3.6 percent from a previous 2.9 percent and narrowed its overall 2017 growth forecast to 3.3 - 3.8 percent from 3.0 - 4.0 percent. Thailand grew 3.2 percent in 2016.
Inflation, however, remains far below the BOT's target range of 1- 4 percent, around a midpoint target of 2.5 percent, with little sign of demand-pull pressure.
Thailand's headline inflation rate eased to 0.38 percent in April from 0.76 percent in March due to lower fresh food prices as agricultural output has risen compared with last year's drought.
In March the BOT lowered its forecast for 2017 inflation to 1.2 percent from 1.5 percent.
The Bank of Thailand (BOT), which has maintained its rate since April 2015, added that inflation has been softer than expected but is still expected to rise in the second half of the year.
"The Committee assessed that the Thai economy's growth outlook improved further despite facing risks especially on the external front," the BOT said, a more optimistic tone than in its previous policy statement from March when it said the economy "continued to gain traction," but there were considerable uncertainties related to the global economy.
But unlike its March statement, when the BOT said the a recent appreciation of the Thai baht "might not be as beneficial to the economy as it could," today it merely observed that the exchange rate in the recent period was in line with regional currencies.
The baht fell sharply from the "taper tantrum" of April 2013 to September 2015 but since then it has been slowly appreciating, especially this year.
The bath was trading at 34.36 to the U.S. dollar today, up 4.2 percent this year.
Thailand's economy expanded by 1.3 percent in the first quarter of this year from the previous quarter for the fastest pace since the fourth quarter of 2012, boosted by consumption and exports.
On an annual basis, Gross Domestic Product was up 3.3 percent, up from 3.0 percent in the fourth quarter of last year, as tourism also continued to recover, as expected. Public spending continues to remain an important driver of economic activity.
The government's planning agency has raised its outlook for export growth this year to 3.6 percent from a previous 2.9 percent and narrowed its overall 2017 growth forecast to 3.3 - 3.8 percent from 3.0 - 4.0 percent. Thailand grew 3.2 percent in 2016.
Inflation, however, remains far below the BOT's target range of 1- 4 percent, around a midpoint target of 2.5 percent, with little sign of demand-pull pressure.
Thailand's headline inflation rate eased to 0.38 percent in April from 0.76 percent in March due to lower fresh food prices as agricultural output has risen compared with last year's drought.
In March the BOT lowered its forecast for 2017 inflation to 1.2 percent from 1.5 percent.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Nigeria holds rate, easing may worsen inflation pressure
Nigeria's central bank left its Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) at 14 percent, as expected, and said it was concerned "that loosening would exacerbate inflationary pressures and worsen the gains so far achieved in the exchange rate of the naira."
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which has maintained its rate since raising it by 200 basis points in July 2016, added its monetary policy committee was reluctant to alter the current policy against the backdrop of an unclear outlook for key economic activities, especially food production, some optimism about the deceleration in inflation and the relative stability of the naira.
The policy committee voted unanimously by 8 members - one member was absent - to retain the policy rate "in consideration of the challenges weighing down the domestic economy and the uncertainties in the global environment."
While the CBN welcomed the recent decline in inflation, the relative stability of the naira's exchange rate and the improved prospect of an inflow of foreign investment, it added inflation remains "significantly" above its reference band of 6-9 percent.
Nigeria's inflation rate eased to 17.24 percent in April, the third month of declining inflation, hitting the lowest rate since July 2016.
Part of the reason for decelerating inflation is due to there recent gains in the naira's exchange rate, due to the bank's interventions in the foreign exchange market, and the downward move in the prices of imported goods.
"Against this background, the Committee emphasized the need to sustain and deepen the bank's foreign exchange management policies and measures in order to reap the benefits of the pass-through to consumer prices," the CBN said.
Nigeria has suffered from a shortage of U.S. dollars since the fall in crude oil prices in 2014 and the central bank has only recently begun to ease some of its restrictions and capital controls that were imposed in 2015 to shore up the naira's exchange rate.
The official exchange rate of Nigeria's naira has been largely unchanged since August last year, trading around 315 to the U.S. dollar. In June 2016 the CBN removed its naira peg of 197 to the dollar, resulting in an immediate 30 percent drop in its value.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which has maintained its rate since raising it by 200 basis points in July 2016, added its monetary policy committee was reluctant to alter the current policy against the backdrop of an unclear outlook for key economic activities, especially food production, some optimism about the deceleration in inflation and the relative stability of the naira.
The policy committee voted unanimously by 8 members - one member was absent - to retain the policy rate "in consideration of the challenges weighing down the domestic economy and the uncertainties in the global environment."
While the CBN welcomed the recent decline in inflation, the relative stability of the naira's exchange rate and the improved prospect of an inflow of foreign investment, it added inflation remains "significantly" above its reference band of 6-9 percent.
Nigeria's inflation rate eased to 17.24 percent in April, the third month of declining inflation, hitting the lowest rate since July 2016.
Part of the reason for decelerating inflation is due to there recent gains in the naira's exchange rate, due to the bank's interventions in the foreign exchange market, and the downward move in the prices of imported goods.
"Against this background, the Committee emphasized the need to sustain and deepen the bank's foreign exchange management policies and measures in order to reap the benefits of the pass-through to consumer prices," the CBN said.
Nigeria has suffered from a shortage of U.S. dollars since the fall in crude oil prices in 2014 and the central bank has only recently begun to ease some of its restrictions and capital controls that were imposed in 2015 to shore up the naira's exchange rate.
The official exchange rate of Nigeria's naira has been largely unchanged since August last year, trading around 315 to the U.S. dollar. In June 2016 the CBN removed its naira peg of 197 to the dollar, resulting in an immediate 30 percent drop in its value.
Hungary maintains rate and guidance, as expected
Hungary's central bank maintained its base rate at 0.9 percent, as widely expected, and confirmed its guidance that it remains "ready to ease monetary conditions further using unconventional, targeted instruments" if inflation remains persistently below the target.
The National Bank of Hungary (NBH), which has kept its rate on hold since May 2016, also reiterated that keeping the base rate at the current level and loose monetary conditions for "an extended period" was consistent with its aim of reaching inflation target and supporting the economy.
Economists expect the NBH to keep its rate unchanged for the rest of this year and first start raising it slowly during 2018.
Hungary's headline inflation rate eased to 2.2 percent in April from 2.7 percent in March due to lower food prices and fuel, within the central bank's 2.0-4.0 target range, but below its midpoint target of 3.0 percent.
The NBH confirmed it first expects inflation to reach its target sustainably from the first half of 2018 as unused capacity in the economy is gradually absorbed from rising economic activity.
Core inflation ticked up to 1.9 percent from 1.8 percent in the previous two months.
Hungary's "expanded dynamically" in the first three months of this year, with industrial production rising "significantly" in March along with construction, which is expected to continue to improve in coming months. Retails sales also continued to rise in March, boosting imports more than exports so the trade surplus narrowed, the central bank said.
Hungary's Gross Domestic Product jumped to an annual increase of 4.1 percent in the first quarter of this year, up from 1.6 percent in the fourth quarter of last year and the highest rate since the second quarter of 2014.
The NBH expects stable economic growth of 3-4 percent in coming years.
Hungary's forint has mainly traded sideways against the euro since mid-2015 but firmed in the last month to trade at 308.4 to the euro today, up 0.4 percent since the start of 2017.
The National Bank of Hungary (NBH), which has kept its rate on hold since May 2016, also reiterated that keeping the base rate at the current level and loose monetary conditions for "an extended period" was consistent with its aim of reaching inflation target and supporting the economy.
Economists expect the NBH to keep its rate unchanged for the rest of this year and first start raising it slowly during 2018.
Hungary's headline inflation rate eased to 2.2 percent in April from 2.7 percent in March due to lower food prices and fuel, within the central bank's 2.0-4.0 target range, but below its midpoint target of 3.0 percent.
The NBH confirmed it first expects inflation to reach its target sustainably from the first half of 2018 as unused capacity in the economy is gradually absorbed from rising economic activity.
Core inflation ticked up to 1.9 percent from 1.8 percent in the previous two months.
Hungary's "expanded dynamically" in the first three months of this year, with industrial production rising "significantly" in March along with construction, which is expected to continue to improve in coming months. Retails sales also continued to rise in March, boosting imports more than exports so the trade surplus narrowed, the central bank said.
Hungary's Gross Domestic Product jumped to an annual increase of 4.1 percent in the first quarter of this year, up from 1.6 percent in the fourth quarter of last year and the highest rate since the second quarter of 2014.
The NBH expects stable economic growth of 3-4 percent in coming years.
Hungary's forint has mainly traded sideways against the euro since mid-2015 but firmed in the last month to trade at 308.4 to the euro today, up 0.4 percent since the start of 2017.
Monday, May 22, 2017
Ghana cuts rate another 100 bps, inflation seen easing
Ghana's central bank cut its Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by another 100 basis points to 22.50 percent as inflation and inflation expectations are trending downwards and said it would take "necessary policy action to move headline inflation towards the medium term target."
The Bank of Ghana (BOG) has now cut its rate by 300 basis points this year following a 200 point cut in March and by 350 points since November 2016 when it began an easing cycle.
In his first monetary policy statement since taking over as BOG governor last month, Ernest Addison said the disinflation process was supported by the bank's tight policy stance and a stable exchange rate of the cedi.
And with outlook for a return to the path of fiscal consolidation and a stable exchange rate, headline inflation is expected to trend toward the BOG's target of 8 percent, plus/minus 2 percentage points, in 2018.
"Given these considerations, the Committee judged that the downside risks to growth outweigh the upside risks to inflation in the outlook, and therefore decided to reduce the policy rate by 100 basis points to 22.5 percent," said Addison who took over after Abdul-Nashiru Issahaku resigned April 1.
Ghana's headline inflation rose slightly to 13.0 percent, the first rise after six consecutive months of decline, from 12.8 percent in March but this was mainly due to higher transport costs.
The central bank's core measure of inflation, which strips out energy and utilities, eased to 13.7 percent in April from 14.6 percent in December 2016.
Ghana's economy slowed last year to growth of 3.5 percent from 3.9 percent in 2015 and forecast growth of 4.1 percent due to a sharp decline in industrial growth following an energy crises and operational challenges in crude oil production for most of the year.
But the BOG said the composite index of economic activity suggested a pickup in growth in the first quarter of this year, helped by private sector credit and exports.
Provisional data on government finances for the first quarter showed a cash deficit of 1.5 percent of Gross Domestic Product, consistent with the target, while expenditures were broadly contained at 11.5 percent of target while revenue and grants were 14.3 percent short of target.
Financing of the deficit was mostly from domestic sources, including a drawn down on government deposits at the central bank, Addison said, adding total public debt at the end of March amounted to 127.1 billion cedi, or 62.5 percent of GDP, up from 73.3 percent end-2016.
Last month Addison said the central bank would not finance the government's budget, something the country agreed to as part of a three-year, April 2015 deal with the International Monetary Fund that aims to restore fiscal balance after years of high deficits, rising debt and high inflation.
Data for the first four months of this year showed a significant recovery in exports on higher output and prices of gold and crude oil, resulting in a trade surplus of an estimated 2.5 percent of GDP compared with a deficit of 2.2 percent in the same period last year.
Ghana's Gross International Reserves surged to US$6.4 billion at the end of April from $4.9 billion at the end of 2016, the equivalent of 3.7 months of imports.
Ghana's cedi fell sharply in 2013 and 2014 but the decline slowed from mid-2015. After rising in March, helped by a US$1 billion cedi bond and the central bank's first quarter auction of US$120 million, the cedi has depreciated this month.
Addison said the volatility in the foreign exchange market that was seen around the last monetary policy meeting in March had eased significantly, with a positive outlook based on expected inflows.
The cedi was trading at 4.42 to the U.S. dollar today, down 3.2 percent this year.
The Bank of Ghana (BOG) has now cut its rate by 300 basis points this year following a 200 point cut in March and by 350 points since November 2016 when it began an easing cycle.
In his first monetary policy statement since taking over as BOG governor last month, Ernest Addison said the disinflation process was supported by the bank's tight policy stance and a stable exchange rate of the cedi.
And with outlook for a return to the path of fiscal consolidation and a stable exchange rate, headline inflation is expected to trend toward the BOG's target of 8 percent, plus/minus 2 percentage points, in 2018.
"Given these considerations, the Committee judged that the downside risks to growth outweigh the upside risks to inflation in the outlook, and therefore decided to reduce the policy rate by 100 basis points to 22.5 percent," said Addison who took over after Abdul-Nashiru Issahaku resigned April 1.
Ghana's headline inflation rose slightly to 13.0 percent, the first rise after six consecutive months of decline, from 12.8 percent in March but this was mainly due to higher transport costs.
The central bank's core measure of inflation, which strips out energy and utilities, eased to 13.7 percent in April from 14.6 percent in December 2016.
Ghana's economy slowed last year to growth of 3.5 percent from 3.9 percent in 2015 and forecast growth of 4.1 percent due to a sharp decline in industrial growth following an energy crises and operational challenges in crude oil production for most of the year.
But the BOG said the composite index of economic activity suggested a pickup in growth in the first quarter of this year, helped by private sector credit and exports.
Provisional data on government finances for the first quarter showed a cash deficit of 1.5 percent of Gross Domestic Product, consistent with the target, while expenditures were broadly contained at 11.5 percent of target while revenue and grants were 14.3 percent short of target.
Financing of the deficit was mostly from domestic sources, including a drawn down on government deposits at the central bank, Addison said, adding total public debt at the end of March amounted to 127.1 billion cedi, or 62.5 percent of GDP, up from 73.3 percent end-2016.
Last month Addison said the central bank would not finance the government's budget, something the country agreed to as part of a three-year, April 2015 deal with the International Monetary Fund that aims to restore fiscal balance after years of high deficits, rising debt and high inflation.
Data for the first four months of this year showed a significant recovery in exports on higher output and prices of gold and crude oil, resulting in a trade surplus of an estimated 2.5 percent of GDP compared with a deficit of 2.2 percent in the same period last year.
Ghana's Gross International Reserves surged to US$6.4 billion at the end of April from $4.9 billion at the end of 2016, the equivalent of 3.7 months of imports.
Ghana's cedi fell sharply in 2013 and 2014 but the decline slowed from mid-2015. After rising in March, helped by a US$1 billion cedi bond and the central bank's first quarter auction of US$120 million, the cedi has depreciated this month.
Addison said the volatility in the foreign exchange market that was seen around the last monetary policy meeting in March had eased significantly, with a positive outlook based on expected inflows.
The cedi was trading at 4.42 to the U.S. dollar today, down 3.2 percent this year.
Sunday, May 21, 2017
Egypt raises rate 200 bps on growing risks to inflation
Egypt's central bank raised its key policy rates by 200 basis points to 16.75 percent, surprising financial markets and investors, and said it "will not hesitate to adjust its stance to offset anticipated upside or downside deviations from the inflation target."
The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has now raised its benchmark overnight deposit rate by 800 basis points since embarking an a tightening cycle in December 2015 and by 200 basis points this year.
In November 2016 the CBE also took financial markets by surprise by hiking its key rates by 300 basis points as part of a liberalization of foreign exchange markets.
After Egypt's pound was allowed to float, it immediately lost more than half its value, boosting import prices and thus inflation, but since March it has stabilized just over 18 to the U.S. dollar
The CBE said previous rate hikes and lower liquidity had helped contain inflation but the balance of risks were now tilted more strongly to the upside due to growing demand-side pressure.
Although Egypt's headline inflation rate rose further to 31.5 percent in April from 30.9 percent in March, on a monthly basis inflation had eased for the third consecutive month and core inflation, which excludes volatile food items, had risen only slightly after decelerating in February and March.
But Egypt's economy is showing growing signs of improvement and the central bank is concerned that high inflation, along with improving demand, will boost inflation expectations.
"Against this background, the MPC judges that hiking the CBE's key policy rates is consistent with the targeted disinflation path, and reiterates that the objective of its tighter stance is not to offset effects of supply-shocks, rather to contain underlying inflation excluding supply shocks that is affected by inflation expectations and the build-up of demand-side pressures," CBE said.
Egypt's economy grew by an annual rate of 3.9 percent in the third quarter of the 2016/17 year, up from 3.8 percent and 3.4 percent, respectively, in the two preceding quarters, CBE said.
In addition, the unemployment rate eased to 12.0 percent in the third quarter from 12.4 percent and 12.6 percent in the previous two quarters.
To help anchor inflation expectations, the central bank said it would begin to publish a targeted disinflation path in its regular policy statements and quarterly monetary policy reports as part of its flexible monetary targeting framework.
"In accommodation of first-round effects of supply-shocks, the elevated annual headline inflation rate will be temporarily tolerated before it is targeted to decline to 13% (+/- 3%) by 2018 Q4 and to single digits thereafter," the central bank said.
In addition to raising its overnight deposit rate by 200 basis points, the central bank also raised its other key rates by the same amount, putting the overnight lending rate at 17.75 percent, the rate on its main operation at 17.25 percent and its discount rate at 17.25 percent.
The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has now raised its benchmark overnight deposit rate by 800 basis points since embarking an a tightening cycle in December 2015 and by 200 basis points this year.
In November 2016 the CBE also took financial markets by surprise by hiking its key rates by 300 basis points as part of a liberalization of foreign exchange markets.
After Egypt's pound was allowed to float, it immediately lost more than half its value, boosting import prices and thus inflation, but since March it has stabilized just over 18 to the U.S. dollar
The CBE said previous rate hikes and lower liquidity had helped contain inflation but the balance of risks were now tilted more strongly to the upside due to growing demand-side pressure.
Although Egypt's headline inflation rate rose further to 31.5 percent in April from 30.9 percent in March, on a monthly basis inflation had eased for the third consecutive month and core inflation, which excludes volatile food items, had risen only slightly after decelerating in February and March.
But Egypt's economy is showing growing signs of improvement and the central bank is concerned that high inflation, along with improving demand, will boost inflation expectations.
"Against this background, the MPC judges that hiking the CBE's key policy rates is consistent with the targeted disinflation path, and reiterates that the objective of its tighter stance is not to offset effects of supply-shocks, rather to contain underlying inflation excluding supply shocks that is affected by inflation expectations and the build-up of demand-side pressures," CBE said.
Egypt's economy grew by an annual rate of 3.9 percent in the third quarter of the 2016/17 year, up from 3.8 percent and 3.4 percent, respectively, in the two preceding quarters, CBE said.
In addition, the unemployment rate eased to 12.0 percent in the third quarter from 12.4 percent and 12.6 percent in the previous two quarters.
To help anchor inflation expectations, the central bank said it would begin to publish a targeted disinflation path in its regular policy statements and quarterly monetary policy reports as part of its flexible monetary targeting framework.
"In accommodation of first-round effects of supply-shocks, the elevated annual headline inflation rate will be temporarily tolerated before it is targeted to decline to 13% (+/- 3%) by 2018 Q4 and to single digits thereafter," the central bank said.
In addition to raising its overnight deposit rate by 200 basis points, the central bank also raised its other key rates by the same amount, putting the overnight lending rate at 17.75 percent, the rate on its main operation at 17.25 percent and its discount rate at 17.25 percent.
Saturday, May 20, 2017
This week in monetary policy: Egypt, Ghana, Hungary, Nigeria, Argentina, Thailand, Canada, Paraguay, South Korea, Ukraine, Moldova, Fiji, South Africa, Colombia and Trinidad & Tobago
This week (May 21 through May 27) central banks from 15 countries or
jurisdictions are scheduled to decide on monetary policy: Egypt, Ghana, Hungary, Nigeria, Argentina, Thailand, Canada, Paraguay, South Korea, Ukraine, Moldova, Fiji, South Africa, Colombia, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Following table includes the name of the country, the date of the next policy
decision, the current policy rate, the result of the last policy decision, the
change in the policy rate year to date, the rate one year ago, and the
country’s MSCI classification.
The
table is updated when the latest decisions are announced and can always
accessed by clicking on This Week.
WEEK 21 | ||||||
MAY 21 - MAY 27, 2017: | ||||||
COUNTRY | DATE | RATE | LATEST | YTD | 1 YR AGO | MSCI |
EGYPT | 21-May | 14.75% | 0 | 0 | 10.75% | EM |
GHANA | 22-May | 23.50% | -200 | -200 | 26.00% | |
HUNGARY | 23-May | 0.90% | 0 | 0 | 0.90% | EM |
NIGERIA | 23-May | 14.00% | 0 | 0 | 12.00% | FM |
ARGENTINA | 23-May | 26.25% | 0 | 150 | 36.75% | FM |
THAILAND | 24-May | 1.50% | 0 | 0 | 1.50% | EM |
CANADA | 24-May | 0.50% | 0 | 0 | 0.50% | DM |
PARAGUAY | 24-May | 5.50% | 0 | 0 | 5.75% | |
SOUTH KOREA | 25-May | 1.25% | 0 | 0 | 1.50% | EM |
UKRAINE | 25-May | 13.00% | -100 | -100 | 18.00% | FM |
MOLDOVA | 25-May | 9.00% | 0 | 0 | 13.00% | |
FIJI | 25-May | 0.50% | 0 | 0 | 0.50% | |
SOUTH AFRICA | 25-May | 7.00% | 0 | 0 | 7.00% | EM |
COLOMBIA | 26-May | 6.50% | -50 | -100 | 7.25% | |
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO | 26-May | 4.75% | 0 | 0 | 4.75% |
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