Declining GEL Interest Rates may Reverse

After excessive GEL depreciation and the pressure on prices, the NBG turned more hawkish increasing the likelihood of rate hikes (see note on inflation and exchange rate).

As a result of stronger GEL lending and lower GEL deposit growth, excessive levels of liquidity in the beginning of the year, mainly driven by the expansionary fiscal stance and NBG buying reserves, has started to normalize. This also increases the likelihood of unchanged or higher GEL rates.

In addition, the elevated exchange rate volatility tends to increase the required risk premium for the GEL deposits.

To curb currency depreciation the NBG sold 32.8 mln USD on the 1st of August, also reducing the GEL liquidity in the banking system.  

On the contrary, some recent conversions of the GEL deposits to FX are unlikely to continue and/or might even somewhat reverse.

TBC Research  conducted the research. visit the website for further details.