Monday, 16 December 2024

Pakistan: SBP cuts policy rate by 200bps

Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of  the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in its meeting on December 16, 2024 decided to reduce the benchmark policy rate by 200bps to 13.00%.

The MPC highlighted that despite falling inflation, core inflation remains sticky, with near-term inflation likely to remain volatile.

Additionally, growth prospects have improved as reflected by the recent uptick in high-frequency indicators, with the impact of the easing beginning to unfold.

Improving business confidence and easing financial conditions are expected to support economic growth. Accordingly, the MPC expects the real GDP growth in FY25 to remain in the range of 2.5% to 3%.

On the external front, strong remittances and exports along with favorable international commodity prices, are expected to keep current account deficit below1% of GDP in FY25.

Resultantly, foreign exchange reserves held by SBP are anticipated to exceed US$13 billion by end June 2025.

On the fiscal front, declining yields will lead to a sizeable saving in interest payments on domestic debt compared to the budget estimates. However, achieving the target for primary surplus will be challenging.

The M2 growth has decelerated mainly due to drop in Government borrowing. Meanwhile, credit to private sector has picked up as banks have expedited lending to meet ADR thresholds by Dec’24.

Finally, factors contributing to the NCPI fall are likely to continue, going forward.

 

 

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