By Dipesh Ghimire
Liquidity Management and Foreign Exchange Insights by Nepal Rastra Bank
In the first quarter of the current fiscal year 2081/82, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) absorbed liquidity amounting to NPR 7.833 trillion through various financial instruments. This strategic move aimed to stabilize the monetary system and prevent potential economic imbalances caused by excessive liquidity in the banking sector.
Liquidity Absorbed: NPR 590.55 billion was withdrawn through deposit collection auctions, while NPR 7.242 trillion was absorbed using the Standing Deposit Facility.
Foreign Exchange Purchases: USD 1.47 billion was purchased, injecting NPR 196.79 billion into the economy.
Foreign Exchange Sales: USD 820.2 million was sold, leading to the purchase of INR 115.66 billion.
The liquidity absorption represents a significant increase compared to the same period last year, which saw a net liquidity injection of NPR 363.45 billion. This stark contrast underscores the central bank’s proactive efforts to manage excess liquidity in the financial system effectively.
NRB also allocated NPR 4.37 billion into fixed deposits within commercial banks, development banks, and finance companies. This investment was sourced from the Provident and Pension Fund and Employee Security Fund. The deposits will mature over 366 days, with interest rate proposals due by Mangsir 23.
The current liquidity management measures suggest a deliberate shift in NRB’s strategy, aiming to curb inflationary pressures and ensure monetary stability. By absorbing excess liquidity, NRB prevents overheating in the economy and maintains interest rate stability, which is crucial for sustainable growth.
Foreign exchange transactions also highlight the evolving dynamics in Nepal’s monetary policy. The net purchase of USD 1.47 billion signals an effort to stabilize foreign reserves, while the sale of USD 820.2 million for INR underscores Nepal’s reliance on Indian imports and the importance of maintaining sufficient INR liquidity.
Fixed deposit investments further reflect NRB’s intent to foster financial stability. Channeling funds into diverse financial institutions ensures liquidity distribution while offering competitive returns to institutional funds.
As Nepal’s financial ecosystem continues to adapt, the central bank’s active role in liquidity and foreign exchange management will be pivotal. The increased use of monetary tools such as repos, reverse repos, and fixed deposit investments demonstrates NRB’s commitment to macroeconomic stability.
These measures provide a balanced approach to managing liquidity while supporting the financial system, ensuring that Nepal’s economy remains resilient amidst evolving global and domestic challenges.
