The Central Bank of Iceland publishes Peningamál (Monetary Bulletin)
On July 31, 2003, the Central Bank of Iceland published
the August issue of Peningamál (Monetary Bulletin), a quarterly publication in
Icelandic, including the Bank's quarterly inflation forecast and a macroeconomic
forecast. Inflation has remained below the Central Bank's inflation target so
far this year and was somewhat lower in Q2/2003 than the Central Bank had
forecast in May. Slack in the economy, a strong króna and low global inflation
will contribute to a low rate of inflation in the short term, and inflation is
expected to remain below the target throughout 2004. Towards the end of the
two-year forecast period inflation will approach the target and exceed it in the
first half of 2005, given an unchanged policy rate.
An economic recovery has
begun and most indications are that the upswing will gain momentum during the
coming winter. There is still slack in the economy, but leading indicators such
as credit growth and company manpower plans strongly suggest that demand will
continue to increase in the near future. No major changes have occurred in
the assumptions or results of the macroeconomic forecast since May. Slightly
higher GDP growth is expected this year and in 2004, among other things because
of large fish catches this year and a weaker exchange rate than assumed in the
last forecast. GDP growth is now forecast at 2¾% this year and 3½% next year. As
usual an unchanged monetary stance and exchange rate are assumed throughout the
forecast period.
The English translation of Peningamál, Monetary Bulletin,
will appear on the Bank's website, each chapter as soon as it becomes available.
13/2003
July 31, 2003
Press release with a table showing the inflation forecast
Link to a preliminary English translation of the Bulletin's introductory chapter