Analysts surveyed by Economica.net reveal expectations for an interest rate hike at the monetary board of the National Bank of Romania (BNR), possibly of 50 bp to 2.25%, perhaps accompanied by further widening of the interest rate corridor that would push up further the Lombard interest rate. "We expect the National Bank of Romania to increase the key interest rate from 1.75% to 2.25%. We also anticipate the widening of the corridor formed by the interest rates of permanent facilities around the monetary policy interest rate to +/- 1.00 pp, from +/- 0.75 pp now," said Valentin Tataru, chief economist of ING Bank. Adrian Codarlasu, vice president of CFA Romania Association, believes that Poland hiking the rate by 50 bp this week to 2.25% sets grounds for an increase in Romania's monetary policy interest rate by 0.5% as well, compared to the initial expectations for 0.25 bp hike expressed by the Association. He also warned that the headline inflation might hit 10% YoY in May-June, judging from the factory-gate inflation of 32% (in November) recently announced. Ionut Dumitru, Raiffeisen Bank's chief economist, points out that Raiffeisen Bank's forecast envisages a policy interest rate of up to 2.5% by mid-2022 and 3% by the end of 2022. "We expect the BNR to catch up with colleagues in Central and Eastern Europe and offer a key rate hike of 50 bp to 2.25% at the next January 10 interest rate meeting. The excess liquidity after high public spending at the end of the year should support such a decision. The BNR should remain a net debtor to the banking system for the next two months," he explained.
More than 680 houses in Suceava country and 170 houses in Neamţ county were impacted in the flash floods that hit northeastern Romania at the end of last week. Forty-one houses were completely destroyed, Raed Arafat, the head of the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU), announced on Friday, August 1. Three people were killed in […]
Romanian justice minister Radu Marinescu said on Thursday, July 31, that harsher penalties are being considered for violence against women and domestic violence, including the criminalization of femicide. The minister said that Romania currently has legislation that is fairly adequate, in line with European standards, for combating violence, including domestic violence. He also said that […]
Via Transilvanica, the long-distance trail that crosses the country, will apply to be the first accredited long-distance route in Romania after the government issued the methodological norms regulating the hiking trails of national interest. Tășuleasa Social, the non-profit that developed the trail, called the recently issued norms "a huge step that transforms a bold idea into...
Former prime minister and Social Democratic leader Marcel Ciolacu stated that he does not rule out a candidacy for the presidency of the Buzău County Council, after rumors to that end. PSD Buzău president Romeo Lungu had previously told journalists that discussions are underway for the former prime minister to run for the Buzău County […]
The Balneo-Physiotherapy Clinic in the Călimănești resort town, southern Romania, will undergo rehabilitation with a EUR 10 million financing from the European Union, according to representatives of the Vâlcea County Council. The project implementation period will be 24 months from the completion of the tender for the execution of the works, which include, in addition […]
Bringo, the first personal shopper-based rapid grocery delivery service in Romania, handling over 4,000 daily orders in more than 35 cities, launches a loyalty program that turns shopping into a continuous reward experience. "Beyond functional benefits like discounts, free delivery, or double refunds for SGR packaging collected right at your doorstep, Bringo YOU offers a […]
