Abstract:

This paper examines the interest rates pass through process under currency board and how efficiently changes in market interest rates are transmitted to retail interest rates (including bank lending rates on loans for non-financial enterprises). For that purpose, the equilibrium relationship between interest rates at money and retail markets is defined and the adjustment for short run relationship is formulated using an error correction model. Terms and conditions of bank loans are very important for symmetric interest rate transmission and efficient monetary policy. The effects of monetary policy increase when transmission mechanism function effectively and private sector experience improved credit access and low interest rates on loans. In case of currency board, monetary policy faces various constrains related to central banks direct intervention in money market. The Bulgarian Central Bank applies only policy instruments that are compliant with the monetary system under currency board

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