Jordan’s central bank cuts key rates by 25bps to stimulate economic growth

By bne IntelliNews January 20, 2014

The central bank of Jordan (CBJ) slashed as of January 20 its key interest rates by 25bps to further boost economic growth and stimulate private sector credit expansion, the bank said in a statement. This is the second straight monetary easing in recent months following a similar rate cut in October 2013. The rate cut comes amid positive economic developments, including slowing CPI inflation, rising JOD-denominated assets, increased investment inflows and rising FX reserves, the central bank noted.

The bank also said it remains ready to act proactively to sustain monetary stability and to promote an attractive investment environment.

The CBJ’s deposit window interest rate now stands at 3.25% (down from the previous 3.50%) and the repo rate was cut to 4.00%. The rediscount rate was reduced to 4.25%.

Jordan’s CPI inflation eased to 3.3% y/y in December 2013 from 3.4% the month before on falling utilities and tobacco prices, which offset higher rents, clothing and fresh produce charges. In 2013, Jordan’s CPI inflation averaged 5.6% undershooting the IMF’s initial forecast of 5.9% full-year price growth.

Related Articles

Turkey, Iraq, Qatar and UAE ink initial Development Road transit corridor agreement

Turkey, Iraq, Qatar and UAE have inked a preliminary agreement to cooperate on the Development Road project, which envisages the transit of goods received at an Iraqi commodities port facilty in ... more

Xlinks warns cost of Morocco-UK Power Project could rise some 25% to reach $30bn

UK renewable energy producer Xlinks, noting significant upward pressure on the cost of all energy projects, has warned that construction of the Morocco-UK Power Project could reach $27bn to $30bn, up ... more

Morocco in talks with investors to build EV battery gigafactories, says minister

The Moroccan government is in extensive talks to attract more electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturers to support its growing automotive sector and meet soaring demand, industry and trade minister ... more

Dismiss