Tuesday, August 12 2014 18:23
Armenia's Central Bank lowers its refinancing rate for the fourth time in 2014
ArmInfo. Armenia's Central Bank has lowered its refinancing rate for the fourth time in 2014 – this time from 7% to 6.75%.
Lombard repo and deposit rates have been reduced from 8.5% to 8.25% and from 5.5% to 5.25%, respectively.
According to the CB, in Q1 2014 inflation was low due to low internal and external demands. The rise in electricity tariffs in Aug and the excise tax to be imposed on a number of goods in Q4 2014 may boost inflation but for the year inflation will remain low. The CB's measures to ease its monetary terms and to enlarge its fiscal policy are expected to boost demand and to stabilize inflation in 2015.
On Feb 11 the CB lowered its refinancing rate from 7.75% to 7.5% (with Lombard repo and deposit rates reduced from 9.25% to 9% and from 6.25% to 6%, respectively). On May 13 the refinancing rate was lowered from 7.5% to 7.25%, the Lombard repo and deposit rates reduced from 9% to 8.75% and from 6% to 5.75%, respectively. On June 24 the CB lowered the refinancing rate from 7.25% to 7% (with Lombard repo and deposit rates reduced from 8.75% to 8.5% and from 5.75% to 5.5%, respectively).