22 June 2022

Statement of the Monetary Policy Committee 22 June 2022

The Monetary Policy Committee

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Iceland has decided to raise the Bank’s interest rates by 1 percentage point. The Bank’s key interest rate – the rate on seven-day term deposits – will therefore be 4.75%.

According to preliminary national accounts data, GDP growth was somewhat stronger in Q1/2022 than was assumed in the Bank’s May forecast. There are also signs that domestic economic activity will remain strong, and the share of firms reporting staffing shortages is at its highest since 2007. On the other hand, households’ and businesses’ expectations about economic developments have grown more tepid, and the global economic outlook is highly uncertain.

Inflation rose to 7.6% in May. As before, house prices and other domestic cost items are strong drivers of inflation, and global oil and commodity prices have risen sharply as well. Price hikes are widespread, and underlying inflation has risen. Inflation expectations have risen by most measures and are above target.

The MPC considers it likely that the monetary stance will have to be tightened even further so as to ensure that inflation eases back to target within an acceptable time frame. Near-term monetary policy decisions will depend on developments in economic activity, inflation, and inflation expectations. Decisions taken at the corporate level, in the labour market, and in public sector finances will be a major determinant of how high interest rates must rise.

No. 15/2022
22 June 2022

 

The interest rates will be as follows:

1. Overnight loans 6.50%
2. Seven-day collateralised loans 5.50%
3. Seven-day term deposits 4.75%
4. Current accounts 4.50%

Central Bank of Iceland interest rates and reserve requirements 22 June 2022

 

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