Monetary Policy

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The Conduct of Monetary Policy

The Performance of Monetary Policy In 1998
The monetary policy measures adopted in 1998 were meant to consolidate and build on the gains of maintaining macroeconomic stability achieved in the previous year, through a further reduction in the rate of inflation, stimulation of output growth and strengthening of the external sector position. These policies were to be complimented by the Federal Government�s commitment to further deregulate the economy.

The performance of monetary policy in 1998 was dismal, as the growth of domestic liquidity measured by the broad money stock (M2) accelerated compared with the preceding three years. Broad money increased by 21.2 per cent against the target level of 15.6 per cent for 1998. Similarly, M1 grew by 17.2 per cent against the target of 10.2 per cent. Although the CBN�s weekly interventions at the OMO and foreign exchange market helped moderate the effects of expansionary fiscal policies, the modest economic achievements between 1995 and 1997 were somehow eroded in 1998 as the inflation rate slipped back into a double digit level. The inflation rate rose from a single digit to 10.0 percent by the end of 1998.

The overall economic performance in 1998 was weaker than expected, as it eroded the gains of the two preceding years. In general, all sectors of the economy felt the impact of the fall in the international crude oil price, as Federal Government�s fiscal operations ended with a deficit.