The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), which surprised most economists by cutting its rate in light of an uptick in inflation, said the rise in December consumer price inflation to 10.13 percent from November's 9.1 percent was due to unfavorable base effects and pointed out that core inflation eased to 7.69 percent in December from 7.81 percent in November.
The CBE raised its rate by 100 basis points in July 2014 following the government's cut in fuel subsidies that pushed up energy costs sharply, boosting inflation that jumped to 11.04 percent in July and remained above 11 percent through October.
A decline in inflation in November to 9.1 percent triggered expectations that the central bank would embark on cuts but a surprise rise in December inflation put those expectations to rest.
The central bank said Egypt's Gross Domestic Product jumped significantly in the first quarter of the 2014/15 financial year - the third calendar quarter - with growth of 6.8 percent, the highest since the fourth quarter of financial 2007/08, on the back of growth in manufacturing, expansion of tourism and improved investment.
While investments in expanding the Suez Canal are expected to boost economic growth, the CBE said downside risks to the global economy from a weak euro area and softer growth in emerging markets could threaten growth.
The Central Bank of Egypt issued the following statement:
"In its meeting held on January 15, 2015, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to cut the overnight deposit rate, overnight lending rate, and the rate of the CBE's main operation by 50 basis points to 8.75 percent, 9.75 percent, and 9.25 percent, respectively. The discount rate was also cut by 50 basis points to 9.25 percent.
Headline CPI decelerated by 1.53 percent (m/m) and 0.07 percent (m/m) in November and December, respectively. This brought the annual inflaon rates to 9.09 percent in November then to 10.13 percent in December due to an unfavorable base effect. The monthly developments came broadly on the back of the seasonal deceleration in the prices of fruits and vegetables coupled with the decline in the prices of other food items supported by the decrease in international prices. On the other hand, core CPI inched up by 0.3 percent (m/m) in December after declining by 0.15 percent (m/m) in November. The annual rate continued to ease registering 7.69 percent in December following 7.81 in November. Upside risks from imported inflation continue to be contained on the back of lower oil prices and the consequent revision in international food price forecasts.
Meanwhile, real GDP jumped significantly in 2014/15 Q1, registering at 6.8 percent the highest annual growth rate since 2007/08 Q4. This comes aS the 2013/14 fiscal year real GDP growth rate recorded 2.2 percent. Notwithstanding the support stemming from the base effect, the expansion in economic acvity during 2014/2015 Q1 came on the back of the continuous growth in the manufacturing sector and the expansion of tourism activities after several quarters of contraction. This came despite the continuous weakness in the extraction sector. In the meantime, investment continued to improve for the third consecutive quarter.
Looking ahead, while investments in domestic mega projects such as the Suez Canal are expected to contribute to economic growth, the downside risks that surround the global recovery on the back of challenges facing the Euro Area and the softening growth in emerging markets could pose downside risks to domestic GDP.
In light of recent global developments and the reassessment of risks surrounding the inflation outlook and domestic GDP, the MPC decided to cut the key CBE rates.
The MPC will continue to closely monitor all economic developments and will not hesitate to adjust the key CBE rates to ensure price stability over the medium-term. "
www.CentralBankNews.info
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