In the euro area, core inflation has been above 2% since October 2021 and above 4% since July 2022. Another feature of the inflation shock we are facing is its persistence. This may affect inflation expectations and lead to a de-anchoring. Current inflation levels require that we clearly show our monetary determination. We know, though, that the significant changes in monetary policy we have taken already will take at least a year or more to affect the economy. But it is our clear forecast and will to bring inflation back towards 2% within the next two to three years. I am not convinced either by the trade-off between fighting excessive inflation and avoiding a recession. There are at least three clear reasons to prioritize price stability (i) legal: our mandate is focused on price stability (ii) political: our fellow citizens care first and foremost about inflation and its impact on purchasing power (iii) economic: entrenched inflation would mean less confidence, higher risk premia, and greater price distortion, and hence less long term growth. Furthermore, the euro area economic starting point remains relatively favourable this year. The labour market is very strong with many vacancies and the unemployment rate stood at a historical low of 6.6% in July and August. Annual GDP growth in 2022 is expected to reach 3.0% according to the latest IMF projection – almost twice the US growth -, although a slowdown is forecast in the second half of the year after the robust growth of the first semester.
Anita Angelovska Bezhoska: The importance of savings for investment growth Speech by Ms Anita Angelovska Bezhoska, Governor of the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia, on the occasion of the World Savings Day - celebration of the Macedonian Banking Association, Skopje, 30 October 2018. * * * Dear Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great honor and pleasure for me to address you at today's event marking the World Savings Day - a day that banks and financial institutions around the world dedicate to promoting saving and raising awareness of the public about the benefits it brings. The saving is undoubtedly important from the aspect of both, individual and overall economic progress and maintenance of the macro financial stability. For each individual, or family, it is the principal and the most important step towards providing financial stability in a long run. By saving, we protect ourselves from unpredictable changes in the personal income dynamics, we more efficiently plan the longterm investments and we build sound foundations for maintaining stable finances throughout the lifetime. Saving is also beneficial for the entire society, as it is one of the key factors which the economy’s investment level depends on, which is a prerequisite for boosting the long-term economic potential. Usually, a significant portion of the savings is channeled into the banking system thus providing stable sources of financing to domestic banks, which is particularly important for the bank-centric financial systems, such as the Macedonian one, where the banks act as major financial intermediaries.