Reduction in Interest Rates – Step in the right direction
The State Bank of Pakistan has surprised the market by reducing the discount rate by 1.5% to 12%. This is the second rate cut in three months bringing the total reduction of discount rate by 2%. A number of analysts were expecting a reduction of 0.5% to 1% at the most. It may be noted that the earlier reduction of 0.5% in July was totally unexpected.
The rationale for the reduction is a decline in inflation and government borrowings.
This is a step in the right direction and will spur private sector credit as well as investment into businesses. It is important to note that interest rates and investments are inversely related. If interest rates go up, people choose to save the money trying to get higher interest rates while a reduction in rates forces people to reduce keeping money in interest earning areas and deploy their money in slightly riskier assets which give them a higher return.
In my opinion, interest rates should come down to 10% within this fiscal year, which is something not just prudent but also a necessity if the current government wants to win the next elections.
indeed right decision . This is biggest cut in discount rate since 2003 .
it was surprising to see majority of the news channels down play this major development in yesterday’s news bulletins. I am sure, majority do not know what discount rates are.
Does anyone know how much money went into the National Savings Schemes in the last three years? A Whopping Rs. 226 billion!!!!!! That money was saved by the general public! The people dont trust the government by not giving taxes but then are willing to put their savings with the government to get higher interest rates. What hypocrisy!!!!
Remittances drop by 32%
http://tribune.com.pk/story/271251/remittances-drop-by-32/
Pakistani anchors should be jailed for creating war with USA hysteria .