Iceland Cuts Key Interest Rate For Fourth Straight Time
March 19 2025 - 1:46AM
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Iceland central bank lowered its benchmark rate for the fourth
consecutive meeting on Wednesday, but policymakers stressed on the
need for caution in future as inflationary pressures remain, and in
view of the heighted global economic uncertainty.
The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Iceland,
led by Governor Asgeir Jonsson, unanimously reduced the seven-day
term deposit rate by 25 basis points to 7.75 percent.
"Although inflation has eased and inflation expectations have
fallen in the recent term, inflation pressures remain, which calls
for a continued tight monetary stance and caution regarding
decisions going forward," the Reykjavik-based central bank said.
"This is compounded by significant global economic
uncertainty."
The bank had reduced the rate by 50 basis points each in
February and November and 25 basis points in October.
Inflation softened to a four-year low of 4.2 percent in
February. Policymakers said the outlook is for continued
disinflation in coming months.
In line with a tight monetary stance, demand growth subsided,
and housing market activity slowed. However, households ramped up
their consumption spending and wage costs continued to increase
steeply.
"As before, near-term monetary policy formulation will be
determined by developments in economic activity, inflation, and
inflation expectations," the bank said.
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