The OET overall balance quickly bounced back from a deficit in the previous month to a surplus of $5.1 million in October 2018. The receipt of budgetary support and grant funds from development partners during the month recovered some of the losses on foreign reserves. Read more in the Overseas Exchange Transactions report for October 2018.

Foreign reserves dived in September by $22.8 million resulting in the highest monthly OET overall balance deficit recorded. Commencing of the principal government loan repayment to the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of China, coupled with large oil import payments during the month brought official foreign reserves down by 5%. Read more in the Overseas Exchange Transactions report for September 2018.

Sectoral performances of the domestic economy ended on a positive note for the year 2018. Given the developments in December, the Reserve Bank’s outlook for strong domestic economic activity remains in the medium term. The Reserve Bank will continue to closely monitor developments in the domestic and global economies. Read more in the Monthly Economic Review of December 2018.

Over the month, total remittances rose slightly by $0.5 million to $28.2 million. This resulted from slightly higher receipts from families abroad and private capital transfers. These increases had offset declines in compensation of employees receipts. Read more in the Remittances Report for October 2018.

Over the month of September, total remittances fell by $3.9 million to $27.7 million. This resulted from lower receipts from families abroad and a decline in receipts from the compensation of employees. Additionally, private capital transfer receipts slightly declined contributing further to the monthly decrease. Read more in the Remittances Report for September 2018.

Sectoral performances in the local economy were mixed over the month. Total agricultural export volumes rose by 432.5 tonnes, reflecting the commencement of the squash season and higher export of root crops. On-going construction activities continued to boost performance in the secondary sector, supported by a rise in business loans for construction and individual housing loans.

Over the month of July 2018, the total banks lending grew by 1.2% to $452.9 million, after recording a slight decline last month. Lending to both businesses and households increased over the month with business lending contributing the most. Read more in the Banking Sector Developments report for August 2018.

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