CBRT Continued to Hold Key Rate Stable at 50% for Seventh Consecutive Meeting

October 17, 2024 4:27 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) kept the policy rate stable at 50% for the seventh consecutive month on October 17. CBRT’s press release remained almost unchanged, as the regulator highlighted that tight monetary stance will be maintained until a significant and sustained decline in th

Turkiye Unveils New Medium Term Program Towards 2024-2027

October 15, 2024 6:30 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Turkiye announced the Medium-Term Program (MTP) for 2024-2027 on September 5. According to the announcement, the main goal of the program aims to bring inflation down to single digits, and ensure price stability. GDP growth aimed to accelerate to 4% next year, 4.5% in 2026 and 5% in 202

Turkiye Inflation Review: CPI Decelerated to 49.4% YoY in September Indicating a Positive Real Interest Rate

October 3, 2024 9:32 AM UTC

Bottom line: As we envisaged, CPI cooled off to 49.4% y/y in September from 51.9% in August backed by the lagged impacts of the tightening cycle, relative slowdown in credit growth, and tighter fiscal stance but the deceleration pace was less-than expected. We continue to think the falling trend wi

Turkiye Inflation Preview: CPI will Continue to Decelerate in September

September 30, 2024 11:40 AM UTC

Bottom line: After easing to 51.9% y/y in August from 61.8% y/y in July due to favorable base effects, the lagged impacts of the tightening cycle, relative slowdown in credit growth, and tighter fiscal stance, we expect the falling trend will continue in September supported by moderate slowdown in

September Outlook: Rate Cuts But How Far?

September 27, 2024 7:44 AM UTC

The 15 chapters of our September Outlook have now been published.  See the headlines and weblinks enclosed for links to the articles on economic, policy and markets for the 23 countries that we cover.

EM FX Outlook: Fed Easing Helps but Divergent Trends

September 26, 2024 8:00 AM UTC

  USD strength is ebbing across the board, which provides a positive force for most EM currencies on a spot basis.  However, where inflation differentials are large, the downward pressure will remain in 2025 e.g. Turkish Lira (TRY).  Where inflation differentials are modest against the U.S., but

Outlook Overview: Rate Cuts But How Far?

September 25, 2024 7:30 AM UTC

·        The U.S. economy is slowing, with the critical question being whether this is a soft or harder landing.  Our broad analysis leaves us inclined to the soft landing view into 2025, though we shall watch real sector data closely over the next 3-6 months to check the trajectory.  Else

EMEA Outlook: Rate Cuts Loading in 2025

September 25, 2024 7:00 AM UTC

·     In Turkiye, we still foresee upside risks emanating from buoyant domestic demand, the stickiness of services inflation, and adverse geopolitical impacts leading average inflation to stand at 58.8% and 35.3% in 2024 and 2025, respectively. We think Central Bank of Republic of Turkiye (CBRT

No Surprises as CBRT Continued to Hold Key Rate Stable at 50% on September 19

September 19, 2024 1:11 PM UTC

Bottom Line: As predictions were centred around no change, Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) kept the policy rate stable at 50% for the sixth consecutive month on September 19. CBRT reiterated in a statement that tight monetary stance will be maintained until a significant and sustained decline in the

Sep 27 Outlook Webinar: Rate Cuts But How Far?

September 15, 2024 10:30 AM UTC

    Uncertainty about whether the U.S. economy will have a soft or hard landing is growing as the market approaches Q4.  This is shaping the debate regarding the scale of easing through the remainder of 2024 and 2025 by the Fed.  European easing is underway, but how much further will central ba

Turkiye Inflation Review: CPI Further Cooled Off to 51.9% in August

September 3, 2024 12:18 PM UTC

Bottom line: After easing to 61.8% y/y in July down from 71.6% annually in June, consumer price index (CPI) cooled further down to 51.9% y/y in August backed by the favourable base effects, tightened monetary and fiscal policies, additional macro prudential measures and relative slowdown in credit

Turkiye's GDP Growth Decelerates in Q2 with 2.5% YoY

September 2, 2024 7:39 AM UTC

Bottom Line: Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) announced on September 2 that Turkish economy expanded by 2.5% YoY in Q2, after growing by a strong 5.7% in Q1 driven by the buoyant demand and government spending. As we expected, the pace of the GDP growth decelerated in Q2 while we envisage the de

CBRT Remains Cautious Holding Key Rate at 50% Despite Recent Fall in Inflation

August 29, 2024 10:24 AM UTC

Bottom Line: Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) recently released its summary of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting after keeping the policy rate stable at 50% on August 20. CBRT said in its summary that tight monetary stance will be maintained until a significant and sustained decline in the u

EM Markets Divergence with China Harder Landing Concerns

August 14, 2024 3:35 PM UTC

Global market turbulence has had a spillover impact into EM, but also some EM assets have benefitted from rotation away from the U.S.  What are the prospects in the coming months?
We see scope for a 2nd wave of U.S. equity and Japanese Yen (JPY) correction, which are a mixed influence for EM assets

CBRT Keeps Its End-Year Inflation Forecast Unchanged at 38%

August 8, 2024 12:00 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) released its third quarterly inflation report of the year on August 8, and did not change its inflation forecasts and policy guidance. CBRT projects that inflation will fall to 38% at the end of 2024, and kept its forecasts for 2025 and 2026 unchanged at 1

Turkiye Inflation Review: CPI Cooled Off to 61.8% in July

August 5, 2024 10:39 AM UTC

Bottom line: After easing to 71.6% annually and 1.6% monthly in June, down from 75.5% in May, consumer price index (CPI) cooled further down to 61.8% y/y in July. As we expected, favourable base effects, tightened monetary and fiscal policies, additional macro prudential measures, and relative Tur

Turkiye Inflation Preview: CPI is Expected to Cool Down in July

August 1, 2024 4:52 PM UTC

Bottom line: After easing to 71.6% annually and 1.6% monthly in June, down from 75.5% in May, we expect consumer price index (CPI) to cool further down to 64-67% y/y in July. We predict favourable base effects, tightened monetary and fiscal policies, additional macro prudential measures, and relat

CBRT Continued to Keep Key Rate Stable at 50%

July 23, 2024 1:48 PM UTC

Bottom Line: As predictions were centred around no change, Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) kept the policy rate stable at 50% on July 23. CBRT said in a statement that tight monetary stance will be maintained until a significant and sustained decline in the underlying trend of monthly inflation is ob

Turkiye’s Current Account Deficit: Services Surplus and Decreasing Trade Deficit Succour

July 12, 2024 1:28 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Turkiye’s annualized current account deficit (CAD) stood at $25.2 billion as of May 2024, marking its lowest level since June 2022, down from $31.7 billion a month earlier driven by strong services income and improving foreign trade balance, supported by accelerated capital inflows. W

Country Risk in Lebanon and Turkey

July 11, 2024 8:05 AM UTC

Country risk reviews of Lebanon and Turkey.      

Turkiye’s Inflation Slowed for the First Time in 8 Months: 71.6% in June

July 3, 2024 5:26 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) announced on July 3 that Turkish CPI cooled to 71.6% annually and 1.6% monthly in June partly supported by the ease in energy and food prices in June compared to a month earlier. As we predicted, favourable base effects, tightened monetary and fiscal

Webinar Recording June Outlook: Cyclical and Structural Forces

July 2, 2024 7:30 AM UTC

As Widely Expected, CBRT Kept Key Rate Stable at 50% on June 27

June 27, 2024 12:32 PM UTC

Bottom Line: As predictions were centred around no change, Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) kept the policy rate stable at 50% on June 27 despite galloping inflation edged up to 75.5% in May, up from 69.8% in April. CBRT said in a statement on June 27 that "(…) the tight monetary stance will be main

June Outlook: Cyclical and Structural Forces

June 26, 2024 7:58 AM UTC

The 15 chapters of our June Outlook have now been published.  See the headlines and weblinks enclosed for links to the articles on economic, policy and markets for the 23 countries that we cover

Outlook Overview: Cyclical and Structural Forces

June 25, 2024 10:15 AM UTC

•    The global economy is showing signs of healing, as inflation comes back towards targets and growth recovers momentum in some economies. Nevertheless, the cyclical headwind of lagged monetary tightening remains in DM countries, and will likely be one of the forces slowing the U.S. economy

EMFX Outlook: USD Strength to Ebb with Different EM Impact

June 25, 2024 8:05 AM UTC

 We see Fed rate cuts from September starting to soften USD strength into year end and 2025.  Beneficiaries will include currencies with inflation moving towards target and high real rates or, alternatively, undervalued currencies. This should benefit the Brazilian Real (BRL) and Indonesian Rupiah

EMEA Outlook: Stubborn Inflation Dominates

June 24, 2024 1:00 PM UTC

·     In Turkiye, we expect Central Bank of Republic of Turkiye (CBRT) will likely halt the key rate at 50% until the end of 2024, which is our baseline scenario. We expect a fall in inflation likely after July due to favorable base effects, additional macro prudential measures, public savings

Turkiye’s Inflation Hits 75.5% in May

June 3, 2024 11:49 AM UTC

Bottom Line: Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) announced on June 3 that Turkish CPI ticked up 75.5% annually and 3.4% monthly in May due to increases in education, housing, restaurant & hotel prices. We foresee favourable base effects, tightened monetary and fiscal policies, additional macro prud

Turkish Economy Grew by a Strong 5.7% in Q1

May 31, 2024 12:18 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) announced on May 31 that Turkish economy expanded by 5.7% in Q1 driven by the buoyant demand, invigorated private consumption and government spending. Despite strong Q1 figure, we expect the pace of the GDP growth to decelerate in the rest of 2024 du

As Expected, CBRT Kept Key Rate Unchanged at 50%

May 23, 2024 7:30 PM UTC

Bottom Line: As predictions were centred around no change, Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) kept the policy rate stable at 50% on May 23 despite galloping inflation which edged up to 69.8% in April, up from 68.5% in March. CBRT said in a statement on May 23 that "(...)considering the lagged effects of

CBRT Lifts End-Year Inflation Forecast to 38%

May 9, 2024 10:22 AM UTC

Bottom Line: Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) released the second quarterly inflation report of the year on May 9, and lifted end-year inflation prediction from 36% to 38% citing that the rebalancing process for demand will be more delayed compared to what was projected that in the first inflation rep

Turkiye’s Inflation Continues to Jump in April with 69.8%

May 3, 2024 7:40 AM UTC

Bottom Line: Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) announced on May 3 that Turkish CPI ticked up 69.8% annually and 3.2% monthly in April due to increases in transportation, restaurant & hotel and education prices, coupled with the lingering impacts of the wage hikes on the services sector. We feel u

CBRT Kept Key Rate Unchanged at 50%

April 25, 2024 3:25 PM UTC

Bottom Line: As predictions were centred around no change, Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) kept the policy rate stable at 50% on April 25 despite galloping inflation, and pressure on FX lately. According to the CBRT statement, monetary policy stance will be tightened in case a significant and persist

EM Europe/CIS: Country Risk Ratings

April 22, 2024 9:00 AM UTC

We provide country risk reviews for EM Europe/CIS countries including Russia and Ukraine. 

Services Surplus and Decreasing Trade Deficit Partly Heal Turkish Current Account Deficit

April 19, 2024 12:18 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Turkiye’s annualized current account deficits (CAD) stood at $31.8 billion as of February 2024 when compared to $37.6 billion a month earlier, driven by a marginal increase in the services surplus, a reduction in the gold trade deficit, and a recovery in net energy trade. We envisage

Turkiye’s March Inflation Ticks Up to 68.5% Despite Continued Tightening

April 3, 2024 9:16 AM UTC

Bottom Line: Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) announced on April 3 that Turkish CPI surged to 68.5% annually and 3.2% monthly in March, and annual inflation swung to a 16-month high due to increases in food and education prices, coupled with the lingering impacts of the minimum wage hike on the

March Outlook: Europe in Focus, Then Elections Around the World

April 3, 2024 9:00 AM UTC

March Outlook: Europe in Focus, Then Elections Around the World

March 27, 2024 9:00 AM UTC

EM FX Outlook: Domestic Drivers Key

March 26, 2024 9:01 AM UTC

   In terms of spot EM FX projections domestic drivers remain critical, with a desire to avoid appreciation versus the USD for some countries.  Fed easing in H2 2024 should however help EMFX more broadly and allow some recovery in spot rates (e.g. Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), South African Rand (ZAR)

EMEA Outlook: Elections Set the Scene in Q2

March 25, 2024 2:00 PM UTC

·     Unlike South Africa and Russia, Turkiye continued with tightening monetary policy in Q1 due to stubborn inflation, pressure on FX and reserves. Meanwhile, Russia and South Africa halted their tightening cycles as of 2024 and will likely start cutting interest rates in Q3 depending on how

Outlook Overview: Europe in Focus, Then Elections Around the World

March 25, 2024 11:15 AM UTC

Inflationary Pressures Caused CBRT to Restart Tightening Cycle and Hike Key Rate to 50%

March 21, 2024 4:26 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Despite predictions were centred around no change, Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) increased the policy rate by 500 bps to 50% on March 21 due to strong inflation, and pressure on FX and reserves lately. According to the CBRT statement, the current level of the policy rate will be mainta

Turkiye: AKP Wants to Win Major Cities Back on March 31

March 7, 2024 2:37 PM UTC

Bottom line: Unless something unforeseen occurs, we think Justice and Development Party (AKP) will likely remain the highest rated party in the Turkish local elections on March 31, winning more local municipalities than any other parties in Turkiye. Despite AKP’s main target is to win back the maj

Turkiye’s Closer to 70% Inflation in February Exceeds Expectations

March 4, 2024 3:10 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) announced on March 4 that Turkish CPI surged to 67.1% annually and 4.5% monthly in February, and annual inflation swung to a 15-month high due to increases in hotel, education and food prices. We feel upside risks remain strong which would likely co

Exceeding Expectations: Turkish Economy Grew by 4.5% in 2023

February 29, 2024 12:28 PM UTC

Bottom Line: Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) announced on February 29 that the economy expanded by 4.5% last year, and 4.0% YoY in Q4 2023 driven by the buoyant demand and lending, high government expenditure and investments during the election-and-earthquake-year. Despite strong Q4 figure, we

CBRT Left the Key Rate Constant at 45%

February 22, 2024 12:53 PM UTC

Bottom Line: As we predicted, Central Bank of Turkiye (CBRT) ended monetary hiking cycle under new governor, and kept the key rate stable at 45% after eighth straight rate hikes since presidential elections last May. According to the CBRT statement, the current level of the policy rate will be maint

EMFX: Carry and Domestic Fundamentals Rather Than the USD

February 22, 2024 10:00 AM UTC

Bottom Line: Most major EMFX currencies have performed better than the Euro or the Japanese Yen against the USD in 2024 (Figure 1).  This is due to carry trades in Latam, but elsewhere reflects global equity love on Indian equities or domestic fundamentals.  This resilience for Brazilian Real/Indi

Turkiye’s Inflation Roared Strong in January: Biggest Monthly Jump since August

February 5, 2024 8:57 AM UTC

Bottom Line: Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) announced on February 5 that Turkish CPI surged to 64.9% annually and 6.7% monthly in January, which marked the biggest jump in the last five months, due to recent hikes in salaries and pensions, continued adverse impacts of deterioration in pricing

Current Account Deficit Continues to Give Pain to Turkish Economy

February 1, 2024 11:59 AM UTC

Bottom Line: Turkiye continues to struggle due to high current account deficits (CAD) in the recent years as it has been a structural feature of Turkiye's economy for far longer. Annualized CAD stood at $49.6 billion as of November 2023, partly due to trade deficit that slightly improved in 2023. We