UPDATE 1-Chile central bank downgrades 2017 growth forecast

By Kitco News / June 05, 2017 / www.kitco.com / Article Link

(Recasts, new throughout with further estimates, comments)

SANTIAGO, June 5 (Reuters) - Chile's central bank cut its 2017 growth forecast to between 1 and 1.75 percent from its previous view of 1 percent to 2 percent as the mining and construction sectors continue to lag, the bank said Monday.

The bank also said it was "most probable" that, following rate cuts of 100 basis points this year, further movement in the benchmark interest rate will not be needed.

"Considering the rate cuts already realized, we believe our monetary policy has reached an already expansive level," central bank President Mario Marcel said in remarks quoted in its quarterly Monetary Policy Report (IPoM).

"In the most probable scenario, new movements in the rate will not be necessary, and the most important thing will be to let the (already enacted) monetary impulse permeate the economy."

The economy of the South American country, the world's top copper exporter, has been hit by a slowdown in investment linked to a fall in the copper price and political uncertainty.

The bank said in its report that consumer spending was stable, but lagging activity in construction and the key mining sector was continuing to weigh on the economy.

In particular, the effects of a prolonged strike at BHP Billiton Ltd's Escondida copper mine, the world's largest, were still having an effect on second-quarter growth, even though the labor action ended in March.

However, the bank said growth should pick up toward the end of 2017, and upped its forecast for 2018 growth to 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent from a previous view of 2.25 to 3.25 percent, as mining investment is expected to improve.

Inflation should end 2017 at 2.9 percent, close to the midway point of its target range, the bank said.


(Reporting by Antonio de la Jara and Gram Slattery; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in precious metal products, commodities,securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Recent News

Gold stocks propelled by gain in metal and equities

May 13, 2024 / www.canadianminingreport.com

Big Gold producers report strong Q1/24 results

May 13, 2024 / www.canadianminingreport.com

Gold stocks decline as metal drop offsets equity risk on

May 06, 2024 / www.canadianminingreport.com

Canadian mining equity capital raising robust in 2023, early 2024

May 06, 2024 / www.canadianminingreport.com

Gold stocks gain even as metal price pulls back

April 29, 2024 / www.canadianminingreport.com
See all >
Share to Youtube Share to Facebook Facebook Share to Linkedin Share to Twitter Twitter Share to Tiktok