Category: Economy
IMF downgrades global growth to 3.2-pct in 2019
Jul 25, 2019 (LBO) – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cut its growth forecasts for the global economy for this year and next, a statement said. It predicts growth of 3.2 percent in 2019, down from its April forecast of 3.3 percent while next year it is set to pick up to 3.5 percent […]
Sri Lanka inflation decreased in June
July 23, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s headline inflation as measured by the year-on-year change in the National Consumer Price Index has been decreased to 2.1 percent in June from 3.5 percent in May due to the high base prevailed in the corresponding month of the previous year. Meanwhile, in June, both year-on-year food and […]
Sri Lanka vehicle registrations down in June 2019
Jul 22, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s vehicle registrations across most categories have declined in June relative to May, a new report shows. Data compiled by JB Securities equities research shows a drop in 2-wheeler registrations have driven down the total to 26,201 the lowest on record over the past 36 months. The slowdown and […]
Sri Lanka Central Bank expects lending rates to reduce further in immediate future
July 19, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Central Bank expects lending rates of banks and NBFIs to reduce further in the immediate future, and borrowers, particularly SMEs, can expect to obtain credit facilities at reduced interest rates from banks and NBFIs. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka requested licensed banks and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs) […]
Federal Reserve will only cut rates once in 2019: Fitch Ratings
July 18, 2019 (LBO) – The Federal Reserve is likely to cut interest rates by less than financial markets expect over the rest of 2019 given robust jobs growth in the US, Fitch Ratings says. A 25bp cut now appears probable at either the July or September FOMC meeting but is unlikely to signal the […]
Sri Lanka’s possible fiscal slippage, main argument for not relaxing policy: CBSL Chief
July 12, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s possible fiscal slippage is the main argument against relaxing monetary policy, the Central Bank Governor Indrajit Coomaraswamy said. Speaking to journalists in Colombo after the monthly monetary policy announcement, he said the government’s revenue has come down with increased expenditure, opening doors for a possible fiscal slippage. Monetary […]
Sri Lanka reserves improve to USD 8.9bn by end June; YTD rupee appreciation 4.1-pct
July 11, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves have reached 8.9 billion US dollars by end June 2019, following the receipt of 2 billion US dollars from the issuance of ISBs, providing an import cover of 5.1 months, the Central Bank said. The successful issuance of the International Sovereign Bonds (ISBs) in June […]
Sri Lanka Central Bank maintains policy interest rates at current levels
July 11, 2019 (LBO) – Monetary Board of Sri Lanka’s Central Bank at its monetary policy meeting has decided to maintain policy interest rates at their current levels. “Considering the current and expected macroeconomic conditions, the Monetary Board was of the view that there is ample space for market lending rates to adjust downwards in […]
Millennium Challenge Corp. committed to advancing Sri Lanka compact: New CEO
July 08, 2019 (LBO) – New CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Sean Cairncross says that they are committed to advancing the proposed 480 million dollars compact that the two governments have jointly developed to address major constraints in the Sri Lankan economy related to transport and land administration. Sending a letter to Sri Lanka’s […]
Monetary Policy to be maintained allowing impact of previous rate cut to materialize: FCR
July 08, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Monetary Board would continue the policy rates with no change, considering the fact that it is too early to assess the impact of the previous 50 bps rate cut, First Capital said in a research note. “We believe that Monetary Board may first consider, CBSL’s ability to implement […]
Sri Lanka launches USD2.2Bn LRT project to modernise city dwelling and transportation
Jul 04, 2019 (LBO) – The government launched the Malabe and Colombo Fort Light Rail Transit (LRT) project with the aim of modernising the city’s transpotation system. The Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development launched the project in the presence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, yesterday in Colombo. The construction work is due to commence […]
World Bank classifies Sri Lanka as upper-middle income country under new revision
Jul 02, 2019 (LBO) – Sri Lanka has moved up to the upper-middle income category from lower-middle income category under the World Bank’s new country classification by income level. As of July 1, 2019, under the new revision, Sri Lanka’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita is 4,060 US dollars, up from 3,840 dollars reported […]