Furthermore, it is at the core of central banking to prioritise macroeconomic objectives over the central bank’s own finances. Moreover, this situation could make it possible to resolve most of the problem in the auction, in a more permanent way than was previously envisioned. Preparations for the auction are now well underway, and the date and format will be publicised soon, so that the auction can take place in the first half of the year. Other things being equal, it should then be  2  BIS central bankers’ speeches  possible to move relatively quickly towards lifting capital controls on residents, as the current account surplus, foreign exchange inflows, and robust foreign exchange reserves provide ideal conditions for it. On the other hand, it is important to reach successful conclusion regarding offshore krónur before general liberalisation of controls on residents can take place. Now I would like to turn to longer-term issues regarding monetary policy and its relationship to other aspects of economic policy and prudential policy. In its reports entitled Monetary policy after capital controls and Prudential rules following capital controls, published in 2010 and 2012, respectively, the Central Bank described the new monetary policy framework and prudential rules that will be necessary to preserve financial stability and support monetary policy after the capital controls are lifted.
Lower returns in the new normal 8. First, lower returns in the new normal. There has been increasing acceptance that the era of low yields is not just a cyclical phenomenon, but is in fact the New Normal. In advanced economies, policymakers are faced with conflicting challenges as they seek to maximise economic growth on the one hand; while having to pursue fiscal consolidation and financial sector reform on the other. Meanwhile, emerging economies will grapple with tighter financial conditions and by implication, slowing growth when unconventional monetary policies are unwound. The outlook is highly uncertain as the normal cyclical recovery template cannot be applied to structural deleveraging episodes such as the one we are currently in. Although bond yields are expected to rise from their current low levels, it is likely that insurers will have to settle for much lower returns from fixed income investing in the years ahead than that achieved in the pre-crisis period. Over the next 20 years, the slowing demographic outlook for the world will also exert pressure on economic growth and lower the expected returns for most asset classes. Shortage of long duration assets 9. Next, a shortage of long duration assets. Asia has often been singled out as the bright spot in the global insurance industry, as rising incomes and lower than average  2  Allianz Global Investors estimates. 3  OECD Global Insurance Statistics. 2  BIS central bankers’ speeches  insurance penetration in many markets offer rosy opportunities for growth.