Reserve Bank raises interest rate to 7%
Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago says while the Bank does not deliberate on politics during MPC meetings, its effect on the currency is concerning
THE Reserve Bank increased interest rates by 25 basis points on Thursday, citing rising food prices and weak rand concerns.
The decision to raise rates follows a three day meeting of the Bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC).
Three MPC members supported a rate hike while three other members favoured unchanged rates.
“Food price pressures, driven by the drought and the depreciated exchange rate, have intensified by more than previously forecast and remain a significant upside risk to inflation,” Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago said.
When asked about the current political environment the Bank said while it did not deliberate on politics during meetings, the effect on the currency was concerning. Mr Kganyago said they would indeed prefer stable politics.
The inflation forecast for this year improved to 6.6% from 6.8% previously, while that for next year was projected at 6.4% from 7% before. Inflation is forecast to average 5.5% in 2018.
“These changes are due in part to the higher interest rate assumption following the increase in the repo rate at the previous meeting, a slightly less depreciated exchange rate assumption, and downward revisions to the international oil price and electricity tariff assumptions,” Mr Kganyago said.
The Bank revised down its economic growth forecast for this year to 0.8% from 0.9% before, and to 1.4% from 1.6% before.
“The potential output growth estimate remains unchanged at 1.5% rising to 1.8% by 2018,” Mr Kganyago said.