The Monetary Policy Committee, chaired by Central Bank Governor Şahap Kavcıoğlu, made no changes to its benchmark policy rate keeping it at 14%, according to the statement.

“The escalating geopolitical risks have continued to be adversely realized and caused a further weakening in the worldwide economic activity. Global growth forecasts for the upcoming period are being revised downwards and the likelihood of a recession has increased. Increasing concern over global food security driven by trade restrictions, high and volatile course of commodity prices, and the persistence of supply constraints in some sectors, particularly in food, have led to producer and consumer price increases internationally,” the bank said.

“The effects of high global inflation on inflation expectations and international financial markets are closely monitored. Moreover, central banks in advanced economies emphasize that the rise in inflation may last longer than previously anticipated due to rising energy prices, imbalances between supply and demand, and rigidities in labor markets. The divergence in monetary policy steps and communications of central banks in advanced economies continue due to their diverse economic outlook. It is observed that central banks have increased and diversified their efforts to develop new supportive measures and tools to cope with the increasing uncertainties in financial markets.”

The bank continued as follows: “Robust growth in the beginning of the year continued in the second quarter as well, with the support of external demand. Compared to peer economies, job creation has been stronger. While the share of sustainable components of economic growth increases, the tourism-led improvement in current account balance continues at a solid pace.  On the other hand, the high course of energy prices and the likelihood of a recession in main trade partners keep the risks to the current account balance alive. A sustainable current account balance is important for price stability. Despite losing momentum, credit growth, and allocation of funds for real economic activity purposes are closely monitored. The Committee will continue to implement the strengthened macroprudential policy set decisively and take additional measures when needed.”

“Increase in inflation is driven by rising energy costs resulting from geopolitical developments, effects of pricing formations that are not supported by economic fundamentals, strong negative supply shocks caused by the rise in global energy, food and agricultural commodity prices. The Committee expects the disinflation process to start on the back of measures taken and decisively implemented for strengthening sustainable price and financial stability along with the resolution of the ongoing regional conflict. Accordingly, the Committee has decided to keep the policy rate unchanged,” it added. (ILKHA)