Introducing the Global Monetary Policy Rate Index

Central Bank News has developed a set of interest rate indexes to track broad trends in monetary policy across the globe. The index is essentially a GDP weighted average interest rate, thus the index can also be used to estimate the cost of capital, assessing monetary policy tightness/looseness, and other economic and financial analysis for the broad groups. There are four indexes: All, Developed, Emerging, and  Lesser Developed & Frontier markets.  The full methodology and components are detailed below.

Commentary:
As can be seen in the initial print of the chart, emerging markets and LDF markets were generally tightening rates during 2011, but have begun to reverse course given the the uncertain environment and deterioration in global economic conditions. As at January the indexes stood as follows: All 2.77% (2.58% in 2011), Developed 0.68% (0.70% in 2011), Emerging 6.52% (6.05% in 2011), and Lesser Developed & Frontier 7.13% (6.09% in 2011). Compared to the previous month the indexes have moved as follows: All -2bps, Developed unch., Emerging -6bps, LDF -2bps.

Methodology:
The indexes are compiled using Central Bank News' proprietary global central bank interest rate database, and IMF (International Monetary Fund) GDP statistics from 2010 to calculate GDP weightings for each group. The groupings for Developed and Emerging markets are based loosely on the MSCI indexes, but as noted weightings are calculated using 2010 GDP. The LDF index comprises all countries that did not fall into the Emerging or Developed categories. Each index has the following number of components: All 81, Developed 13, Emerging 21, LDF 47.

See also: Carry Trade Index

Source: www.CentralBankNews.info