Are interest rate hikes on the horizon?

Jefferis
Jefferis

The seemingly stronger than expected recovery in economic growth has prompted divergent economist views on the direction monetary policy is likely to take this year, with the possibility raised of a return to a contractionary stance last seen before the global recession.

Should the Bank of Botswana (BoB) return to the contractionary stance, consumers should be prepared to pay more for their loans and other credit products with financial institutions.

While no analysts are expecting major adjustments to the bank rate at today’s second meeting of the year for the members of the BoB’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), several developments are signalling a possible tightening of monetary policy in the near future.

Editor's Comment
Micro-procurement maze demands urgent reform

Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...

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