Iraqi central bank governor predicts lower rates

Iraq’s central bank governor, Sinan al-Shibibi, told Reuters rates are likely to fall below their current 7%, depending on inflation.

“Probably they are going to be lower than 7 percent. But of course this will depend on inflation vis-a-vis growth.” he said. “We’ll have to monitor very closely.”

The central bank dropped its policy rate to 7 per cent from 9 per cent last June in line with a fall in inflation. The official interest rate in Iraq is more of a guide to bank rates than a direct monetary mechanism as the banking sector is small and capital markets are undeveloped. Other rates include 5.2 per cent on 6-month bills and 5 per cent on 7-day deposits.

Source: Reuters

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