- Of vital importance to stabilise the foreign exchange market and strengthen the króna

Monetary policy statement of the Board of Governors of the Central Bank of
Iceland 


The króna depreciated sharply both before and after the financial crisis struck
in October. The real exchange rate of the króna, currently at a historical low,
is much lower than is sustainable for the long term. In November, the real
exchange rate was approximately one-third below the average from 1980 to the
present. At the end of November it was probably about 20% below its lowest
point during that period. This drop in the exchange rate triggers higher
inflation and jeopardises the financial position of many households and firms.
Thus it is of paramount importance to restore exchange rate stability. The
Central Bank will work to that end. 

The Government of Iceland and the Central Bank have formulated a monetary and
economic policy that aims at creating lasting stability in exchange rate and
economic matters. They consulted with the International Monetary Fund in
preparing this policy, which focuses on three main objectives. First, it
provides for tight monetary policy that fosters stability in the foreign
exchange market and the strengthening of the króna. Second, it emphasises the
necessity of exercising fiscal restraint. A temporary deficit is unavoidable in
the wake of the shock that the economy has sustained. Long-term fiscal policy
must aim at maintaining a manageable level of public sector debt and debt
service in spite of lost revenues and increased expenditures. Finally, the
policy recognises the need to restructure the financial system in accordance
with transparent, internationally recognised principles. 

In order to pave the way for stable foreign exchange market activity and in
accordance with the agreement with the International Monetary Fund, the Board
of Governors of the Central Bank raised the Bank's policy interest rate to 18%
on October 28. 

The temporary foreign exchange restrictions that were necessary in order to
guarantee a basic level of functioning in Iceland will be lifted in stages. The
Central Bank's guidelines for financial institutions concerning limitations on
the sale of foreign currency have been revoked. Restrictions remain on foreign
exchange transactions for movement of capital, and the mandatory submittal of
foreign currency to financial institutions has been adopted. This is explained
further in a separate press release issued by the Bank today. The restrictions
on foreign exchange transactions for the movement of capital will be lifted as
soon as conditions allow. 

A considerable proportion of króna-denominated securities are owned by foreign
investors. Lifting restrictions by stages will make it possible to unwind their
króna-denominated positions in a systematic way, as the external balance
permits, without undue impact on the exchange rate. This is in the best
interests of the Icelandic nation as well as the foreign investors concerned. 

Through an auction of Treasury paper in early December and new primary dealer
agreements, new life will be breathed into the domestic bond market. 

The Central Bank's foreign exchange reserves will strengthen substantially as a
result of the loan from the International Monetary Fund. In addition, the
currency swap agreements between the Central Bank of Iceland and its
counterparts in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have been extended until year-end
2009. Added to this will be loans from the Faeroe Islands, Poland, Russia, and
the Nordic countries. Strong foreign reserves will together with other factors
create conditions for a rising exchange rate. 

It is not possible to rule out a drop in the exchange rate right after
restrictions on foreign exchange transactions for trade in goods and services
are lifted. Nevertheless, such a depreciation will likely be short-lived.
Underlying economic developments will support the exchange rate of the króna.
When domestic demand contracts, imports decline and a surplus develops in the
trade account. The trade account is already in surplus and the current account
deficit will rapidly disappear. 

In light of the above, it is not assumed in advance that the Central Bank will
need to inervene in exchange rate developments either by raising the policy
rate or by selling foreign exchange. However, this cannot be ruled out. The
Bank will maintain tight control over the access of banks to Central Bank
credit until exchange market stability has been achieved. 

A stronger currency and a widening output slack will lead to disinflation and a
subsequent easing of the policy rate. According to forecasts by the Central
Bank and the International Monetary Fund, inflation will taper off quickly in
2009, with the twelve-month rise in prices dropping to below 5% by the end of
the year.