From taking prompt action to prevent the economy from overheating to acting just as promptly to avoid deterioration. In this dilemma, we have always opted for a medium- to long-run look over the short-term ups and downs, and therefore considered all the risks involved. So far this has allowed us to properly anticipate events and stick to what we believe has been the right monetary policy. The international conjuncture puts us to the test; we have identified many risks in this area. Over the months they have increased in both variety and origins. We know that we are prepared to face them in the best way possible. It is impossible to be immune. In fact, a small open economy like Chile is always subject to the vagaries of the international economy: it could not be otherwise. However, policy makers should be able to overcome them without major setbacks. There are also challenges within our borders, especially doubts about the evolution of a number of variables, such as employment and consumption, among others. It is precisely this medium- to long-term vision what helps us not to make hasty decisions. We have said that we are ready to take action if necessary, but overreacting to one particular event would be tantamount to throwing away the well-earned credibility of the Central Bank, which is a fundamental anchor to achieve our goal of safeguarding the stability of the price level and the financial system.
All of this points at more favorable current-account balances in the medium term. Anyway, for the purposes of assessing this risk we also need to review the evolution of the deficit measured at trend prices. In this sense, news is pointing in the right direction, because the estimate for this year went from 5.7% of GDP last March, to 4.9% in this Report. We estimate that in 2014 it will continue to recede to 4.6% of GDP. The international economy is undergoing a normalization process that influences the Chilean economy. This means a lower external impulse, with more balanced world growth between developed and emerging economies, terms of trade approaching their long-term level and global financial conditions more in line with historic patterns. A smaller boost from foreign investment is also to be expected – especially in mining –, which will take pressure off the current-account deficit and the use of internal resources. Monetary policy is well equipped, if so required, to back this adjustment process. The Board follows closely the evolution of the external and domestic macroeconomic scenario and its implications on inflation, and reaffirms its commitment to conduct monetary policy so that projected inflation stands at 3% over the policy horizon. I would like to end by sharing with you some final thoughts. Final thoughts We have been 19 months with the same monetary policy interest rate. And as with the exchange rate, during this time we have received the most diverse recommendations and suggestions from the market.