Central Bank Governor on the tenge and growing demand for the US Dollar
Late May the global oil price fell from $120 to $93 per barrel, which entailed weakening of the Russian rouble. Speculations were sparked that Kazakhstan would follow Russia’s example.
Kazakhstan Central Bank Governor on slashing the key rate
Mr. Marchenko elaborated that so far the National Bank has no plans to revisit the anticipated inflation corridor of 6-8% downwards for the following year.
Kazakhstan National Bank slashes key rate
The step is related to slowing down in the annual inflation in Kazakhstan: National Bank.
Kazakhstan slashes the key rate from the current 6% to 5.5% from August 6
In the H1 2012 Kazakhstan slashed its key rate three times: in February from 7.5% to 7%, in April from 7% to 6.5% and in June from 6.5% to 6%.
Kazakhstan’s gross foreign debt as of March 31, 2012 stood at $129.3 billion
According to Mr. Marchenko, the debt of the Government and the National Bank make up 4% of the overall debt figure, that is $5.2 billion.
Kazakhstan Central Bank’s Governor on economic prospects
The worst scenario envisages measures in case the oil price hits the bottom of $40 per barrel. The Government in partnership with the National Bank have developed respective action plans, incentives to support the economy: Gregory Marchenko.
National Bank’s Governor doesn’t rule out further slashing down the key rate
In the H1 2012 Kazakhstan slashed its key rate three times: in February from 7.5% to 7%, in April from 7% to 6.5% and in June from 6.5% to 6%.
Kazakhstan to shortly ban Ponzi schemes
The country’s General Prosecutor’s Office is drafting amendments [before September 2012] into the national legislation to introduce liability for those starting or running Ponzi schemes.
National Oil Fund’s average annual earning capacity stands at 4.51%
The Fund’s assets in 2011 and the H1 2012 grew by $20.8 billion: National Bank’s Governor Gregory Marchenko.
Marchenko ready to buy foreign car at his own expense
Kazakhstan National Bank will attract Kazakhstan manufacturers for the next cars procurement tender.
Economic uncertainty to last for at least another 9 months: National Bank Governor
According to him, speculations on a second possible wave of the global financial crisis will be persistent for at least another 9 months until the Bundestag election is over and Eurozone issues are resolved.
19 out of 29 gold-mining companies pledge to supply gold to the Astana refinery
In August 2011 the National Bank announced it would be exercising its preemptive right to purchase gold to be produced within Kazakhstan.
Annual inflation rate may be below 6% at the end of 2012: National Bank Governor
He noted that the lowest inflation rate since 1999 is bolstered by a number of factors, including somewhat decreasing prices for foodstuffs and crude oil.
Kazakhstan's gross foreign debt totals $129.3 billion in Q1
According to the National Bank, in the Q1 2012 the foreign debt of the banking sector grew by 1.5% up to $14.823 billion.
Share of banking services offered by foreign banks shouldn’t exceed 30%: President Nazarbayev
According to him, the Government and the National Bank should take into consideration that local banks not always enjoy the same competitive advantage as foreign ones.
Marchenko is against agricultural bank in Kazakhstan
National Bank's chairman Gregory Marchenko told the senators his opinion of the prospect of creation of the agricultural bank in Kazakhstan.
National Bank’s Vice Governor assures the tenge will remain stable for years to come
According to him, “for the recent year the nation’s exports potential has grown 40%”.
Marchenko gave reasons for leveling retirement age
The retirement age should be leveled for men and women in Kazakhstan if for no other reason than because women of the older generation are more qualified and experienced: Marchenko.
Kazakhstan Central Bank may further slash its key rate to 5.25-5.5%
There is a clear signal that both cost of borrowed money and interest rates on loans should be lowered: Central Bank Governor.
Kazakhstan slashes the share of Euro in its FX reserves
So far we don’t plan to further change the breakdown of currencies in the nation’s currency reserves: Central Bank Governor.