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Bank sets the intrest
rate with a view to maintaining low and stable inflation. The inflation target is set at 2½ per cent. A substantial share of the effects on inflation of an interest rate change will occur within two years. Two years is therefore a reasonable time horizon for achieving the inflation target of 2½ per cent. If evidence suggests that inflation will be higher than 2½ per cent with unchanged interest rates, the
bank intrest rate
will be increased. If it appears that inflation will be lower than 2½ per cent with unchanged interest rates, the
bank intrest rate
will be reduced. It is equally important to avoid an inflation rate that is too low as it is to avoid an inflation rate that is too high.
Bank intrest rate are competitive and are negotiable according to individual circumstances.
Interest is calculated daily on the cleared balance and is paid monthly.
The differences in interest margins and bank profitability reflect a variety of determinants: bank characteristics, macroeconomic conditions, explicit and implicit bank taxation, deposit insurance regulation, overall financial structure, and underlying legal and institutional indicators. A larger ratio of bank assets to gross domestic product and a lower market concentration ratio lead to lower margins and profits, controlling for differences in bank activity, leverage, and the macroeconomic environment. Foreign banks have higher margins and profits than domestic banks in developing countries, while the opposite holds in industrial countries. Also, there is evidence that the corporate tax burden is fully passed onto bank customers, while higher reserve requirements are not, especially in developing countries
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