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2015-IV Contents 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. OVERVIEW 1 1.1. Monetary Policy and Financial Conditions 2 1.2. Macroeconomic Developments and Main Assumptions 5 1.3. Inflation and the Monetary Policy Outlook 8 1.4. Risks and the Monetary Policy 9 INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS 13 2.1. Global Growth 13 2.2. Commodity Prices and Global Inflation 16 2.3. Financial Conditions, Risk Indicators and Capital Flows 18 2.4. Global Monetary Policy 19 INFLATION DEVELOPMENTS 21 3.1. Core Inflation Outlook 22 3.2. Food, Energy and Alcohol-Tobacco Prices 26 3.3. Domestic Producer Prices 28 3.4. Expectations 30 SUPPLY AND DEMAND DEVELOPMENTS 31 4.1. Supply Developments 31 4.2. Demand Developments 33 4.3. Labor Market 39 FINANCIAL MARKETS AND FINANCIAL INTERMEDIATION 57 5.1. Financial Markets 58 5.2. Credit Volume and Monetary Indicators 68 PUBLIC FINANCE 81 6.1. Budget Developments 82 6.2. Developments in the Public Debt Stock 85 MEDIUM-TERM FORECASTS 91 7.1. Current State, Short-Term Outlook and Assumptions 91 7.2. Medium-Term Forecasts 94 Box 4.1. Determinants of Consumer Confidence Index in Turkey 43 Box 4.2. Estimating Income and Price Elasticity of Turkish Exports with Heterogeneous Panel Time Series Methods 46 Box 4.3. Use of Leading Indicators in Forecasting Unemployment Rates 50 Box 4.4. Projections on Labor Force Participation Rate 52 Box 5.1. The Relationship between Loans and Private Savings 73 BOXES Box 5.2. The Relationship of Consumer and Commercial Loans with the Current Account Deficit: Evidence for Turkey and Other Countries Box 6.1. Public Debt Stock and Budget Deficit Developments: An International Comparison 76 87 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey 1. Overview Volatilities in global financial markets continued in the third quarter of 2015. Uncertainties in global monetary policies and concerns over global growth have been in the forefront in this quarter. Accordingly, long-term rates remained highly volatile in advanced economies and uncertainty indicators displayed an increase (Chart 1.1). In the late third quarter and early fourth quarter, volatilities in financial markets declined slightly on the back of the growing perception about the postponement of the Fed’s policy rate hike, and also owing to the ECB’s statement for a continued easing in monetary policy as well as the accommodative steps taken by the People’s Bank of China. Financial asset prices in emerging economies were also affected notably by this volatility. In the third quarter, risk premium indicators of emerging economies deteriorated; long-term rates increased; and domestic currencies depreciated. Moreover, portfolio flows towards these countries exhibited the weakest outlook and exchange rate volatilities hit the peak of recent years (Chart 1.2). In the early fourth quarter, financial asset prices saw partial improvement in emerging economies amid the alleviated volatility in global financial markets. Risk premium indicators and long-term rates registered a decline and depreciation in domestic currencies was partially reversed. The global economic activity, which has started to lose pace in 2014, slowed down further through the second quarter of 2015 due to the deceleration in China and some other emerging economies. Meanwhile, the weak course of the global economic activity led to a decline in commodity prices in the third quarter. Chart 1.1. Chart 1.2. VIX and US Interest Rate Volatility Portfolio Flows to Emerging Economies (4-Week Moving Average, Billion USD) and JPMVXYEM Volatility Index (Basis Points) (Percent) Equity Funds VIX 45 130 MOVE Index (right axis) 40 110 8 Bond Funds 13 6 JPMVXYEM (right axis) 12 4 11 2 10 0 9 -2 8 -4 7 -6 6 -8 5 -10 4 Source: Bloomberg. 1015 0715 0415 0115 1014 0714 0414 1015 0715 0415 0115 1014 0714 0414 0114 1013 0713 0413 0113 1012 30 0712 10 0114 15 1013 50 0713 20 0413 70 0113 25 1012 90 30 0712 35 Source: EPFR, Bloomberg. Volatility in global markets had repercussions on the Turkish economy as well and financial indicators went through fluctuations amid domestic uncertainties. In the third quarter, similar to other emerging economies, risk premium indicators and long-term rates in Turkey also increased and the Turkish lira depreciated. However, more recently, all financial asset prices have registered an improvement. In this period, in addition to implementing a tight monetary policy stance in consideration of the inflation outlook, the CBRT also took steps to support financial stability and stabilize the foreign exchange liquidity along the lines of the road map announced in August. Inflation Report 2015-IV 1 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey In the second quarter of 2015, economic activity recorded an increase owing to domestic demand. Third-quarter indicators signal a mild course in economic activity, while growth composition is expected to turn in favor of net exports in the second half of the year. Domestic and external uncertainties pose a downward risk to the economy, whereas the rising demand from the EU countries supports our exports. Accordingly, it is assessed that domestic demand will remain moderate in the upcoming period, while external demand will recover and the re-balancing in growth composition will continue. In the third quarter of 2015, inflation rose amid developments in food prices and the exchange rate. Due to the cumulative depreciation in the Turkish lira, annual core goods inflation surged in this period and the core inflation remained elevated. In addition to the changes in exchange rate and food prices, wage developments and medium-term inflation expectations will also be effective on the course of the inflation outlook in the upcoming period. Accordingly, inflation is expected to hover around current levels for a while due to the exchange rate effects, and then trend downwards. Conditional on the fiscal policy regarding revenues and expenditures, inflation is projected to reach the 5-percent target in the medium term. 1.1. Monetary Policy and Financial Conditions The CBRT released a road map on 18 August 2015 concerning the policies to be implemented before and during the normalization of global monetary policies. Accordingly, it was announced that the width of the interest rate corridor will be narrowed and the corridor will be made more symmetric around the one-week repo rate. During the simplification process, adjustments will be made in the funding composition to preserve the required degree of tightness in the monetary policy. Moreover, the road map also addressed policies to be implemented before and during the normalization regarding Turkish lira liquidity, foreign exchange liquidity and financial stability. Thus, with respect to the Turkish lira liquidity, quotation on the interest rate on borrowing facilities provided for primary dealers via repo transactions was terminated and collateral conditions for Turkish lira transactions were simplified as of 23 September 2015. In addition, it was reminded that foreign exchange deposits can be used as collaterals against Turkish lira transactions, and new simplified rules were announced regarding the use of this facility. The aim of these arrangements that were put into effect on 28 September 2015 is to enhance the efficiency of banks’ liquidity management. Chart 1.1.1. Chart 1.1.2. CBRT Funding CBRT Rates and BIST Interbank O/N Repo Rates (2-Week Moving Average, Billion TL) (Percent) 2 1015 2 0815 4 0615 6 4 0415 6 0215 8 1214 8 1014 10 0814 12 10 0614 12 0414 14 0214 1015 0815 0615 0415 0215 1214 1014 0814 0614 0414 0214 1213 1013 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 -10 1213 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 -10 Interest Rate Corridor CBRT Average Funding Rate (5-day moving average) BIST O/N Repo Rates (5-day moving average) 1-Week Repo Rate 14 1013 Marginal Funding O/N Funding One-Week Repo 1-Month Repo Reverse Repo at the BIST and Interbank Money Market 100 Net Open Market Operations Source: BIST, CBRT. 2 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey In the third quarter of 2015, the CBRT maintained its tight monetary policy stance in order to contain the adverse effects of exchange rate movements and the volatility in energy and food prices on inflation and inflation expectations. Accordingly, the average funding rate was increased gradually in line with the tight liquidity policy. The CBRT continued to provide funding mainly through one-week repo auctions, while the share of marginal funding was gradually increased (Chart 1.1.1). Consequently, the average funding rate, which was 8.5 percent in the July Inflation Report, has recently hovered around 8.75 percent. Moreover, interbank overnight repo rates were formed at the upper band of the interest rate corridor in the third quarter, as in previous quarters of 2015 (Chart 1.1.2). In the period ahead, monetary policy decisions will be conditional on the inflation outlook. Inflation expectations, the pricing behavior and other factors that affect inflation will be monitored closely and the tight monetary policy stance will be maintained as deemed necessary. The spread between the 5-year market rates and the BIST overnight rates, which was negative across the year, neared zero in October 2015 (Chart 1.1.3). The yield curve remained almost flat in this quarter as well (Chart 1.1.4). Chart 1.1.3. Chart 1.1.4. Money Market Rates (Percent) Yield Curve (Percent) 1-26 October 2015 2 0 0 -2 -2 -4 -4 10.5 10.0 10.0 9.5 9.5 9.00 2 10.5 10.00 4 8.00 6 4 11.0 7.00 6 11.0 5.00 8 4.00 10 8 3.00 10 11.5 2.00 12 0711 0911 1111 0112 0312 0512 0712 0912 1112 0113 0313 0513 0713 0913 1113 0114 0314 0514 0714 0914 1114 0115 0315 0515 0715 0915 12 11.5 1.00 14 0.50 14 29 July 2015-26 October 2015 0.25 5-Year Market Rates-BIST O/N Rates BIST O/N Rates (5-day moving average) 5-Year Market Rates Maturity (Year) Source: Bloomberg, CBRT. Source: Bloomberg. Measures were taken to enhance financial stability in line with the road map released in August. In addition to the changes in required reserves made in the first quarter of 2015, which aimed to foster maturity extension in foreign exchange non-core liabilities of banks and financing companies, required reserve ratios were changed for new foreign exchange non-core liabilities to originate after 28 August 2015 with a view to provide incentive for maturities longer than three years. This change has supported the maturity extension of non-core foreign exchange liabilities, which has been observed since November 2014. The steady upward trend in maturities longer than three years is deemed particularly important for financial stability (Chart 1.1.5). Furthermore, the CBRT stated on 29 August 2015 that the remuneration rate of Turkish lira required reserves would be increased by 50 basis points each in September, October and December. This arrangement will reduce the intermediation costs of the banking sector and offer an additional support to core liabilities. In fact, the loans-to-deposits ratio, which was on an upward trend, has stabilized since the first arrangement in November 2014 (Chart 1.1.6). Inflation Report 2015-IV 3 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 1.1.5. Chart 1.1.6. Maturity of Non-Deposit Liabilities Loans/Deposits (Percent) (Percent) Anouncement of Required Reserve Measures in Financial Stability Report 60 55 60 130 55 120 130 Anouncement of Required Reserve Measures in Financial Stability Report 120 <1-year 50 50 45 45 100 100 90 90 80 80 70 70 0915 0115 0515 0914 0114 0514 0913 25 0113 0513 25 0912 30 0112 0512 30 0911 35 0114 0214 0314 0414 0514 0614 0714 0814 0914 1014 1114 1214 0115 0215 0315 0415 0515 0615 0715 0815 0915 35 0111 0511 40 0910 >3-year 110 0110 0510 40 110 Source: CBRT. As part of the steps to be taken during the normalization of global monetary policies, the CBRT also included some measures in the road map to enhance the flexibility of the FX liquidity management. In this regard, transaction limits for banks at the CBRT Foreign Exchange and Banknotes Markets were raised by around 130 percent to 50 billion USD on 1 September 2015. Consequently, the sum of deposit limits allocated to banks and gold and foreign exchange assets held at the CBRT under the ROM reached a level that more than meets banks’ external debt payments in the upcoming year. Moreover, the CBRT announced that due to the increased volatility in global financial markets, as of 19 August 2015, the amount of the foreign exchange sales auction may be increased by up to 70 million USD above the pre-announced minimum amount. Accordingly, the CBRT has maintained its stabilizing stance regarding the foreign exchange liquidity. Annual loan growth remains reasonable on the back of the tight monetary policy stance and macroprudential measures. Recently, loan growth rates have decelerated further due to heightened domestic and global uncertainties. The annual growth rate of total loans adjusted for the exchange rate declined to 15.3 percent at the end of the third quarter. Both consumer and commercial loan growth rates slowed down notably in this quarter. The annual growth rate of consumer loans declined to 12.2 percent, while that of commercial loans adjusted for exchange rate fell to 17.8 percent in this period (Chart 1.1.7). These developments on the growth and composition of loans contribute both to the re-balancing process and financial stability. The recent course of loan growth reflected by 13-week moving averages suggests that annualized growth rates dropped and lagged far behind past years’ averages in both consumer and commercial loans (Chart 1.1.8). An analysis of consumer loans by subitems reveals that all loan types decelerated except for automobile loans; while in the commercial loans front, the slowdown in FX-denominated loans proved more apparent than that in TLdenominated loans. In addition to moderate growth of economic activity, hikes in consumer and commercial loan rates in the third quarter and tightening in other financial conditions point out that loan growth may remain low compared to historical averages in the upcoming period as well. 4 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 1.1.7. Chart 1.1.8. Annual Loan Growth Annualized Loan Growth (Adjusted for Exchange Rate, Annual Percent Change) Commercial (Adjusted for Exchange Rate, 13-Week Moving Average, Annualized, Percent) Commercial Consumer Consumer 0711 1015 0 0715 0 0115 0415 0 1014 0 0714 10 0114 0414 10 1013 10 0713 10 0113 0413 20 1012 20 0712 20 0412 20 0112 30 1011 30 1015 30 0115 0415 0715 30 1014 40 0114 0414 0714 40 1013 40 0113 0413 0713 40 1012 50 0112 0412 0712 50 1011 50 0711 50 Source: CBRT. 1.2. Macroeconomic Developments and Main Assumptions Inflation In the third quarter of 2015, annual consumer inflation posted a quarterly increase of around 0.75 points compared to the previous quarter and rose to 7.95 percent, remaining above projections of the July Inflation Report (Charts 1.2.1 and 1.2.2). The food prices and exchange rate developments are the main drivers of this rise in annual inflation. Due to the course of the unprocessed food prices, the contribution of food prices to inflation increased again in this quarter. Moreover, annual core goods inflation posted an upsurge owing to the cumulative depreciation in the Turkish lira. Meanwhile, exchange rate developments had a limited effect on energy prices due to the decline in oil prices. Chart 1.2.1. Chart 1.2.2. Inflation Forecasts and Realizations* Inflation Forecasts and Realizations Excluding Unprocessed Food and Tobacco* (Percent) (Percent) July 2015 Forecasts July 2015 Forecasts Actual Inflation Actual Inflation 6 6 5 5 5 5 0915 6 0815 6 0715 7 0615 7 0515 7 0415 7 0315 8 0915 8 0815 8 0715 8 0615 9 0515 9 0415 9 0315 9 * Shaded area denotes the 70 percent confidence interval for the forecast. Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. In the third quarter of the year, despite the decline in USD-denominated import prices, cost pressures on inflation increased due to food prices and exchange rate developments. In this period, the underlying trend of core inflation indicators posted a slight decline compared to the previous quarter, yet remained elevated (Chart 1.2.3). Meanwhile, the tight monetary policy stance and the mild course of domestic demand are considered to have limited the pass-through from exchange rates to prices compared to similar episodes in the past. Along with the high course of food prices and Inflation Report 2015-IV 5 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey its repercussions on prices of catering services, the rise in non-food cost factors led consumer inflation excluding food and catering services to increase by around 0.5 points to 6.36 percent in this quarter (Chart 1.2.4). Chart 1.2.3. Chart 1.2.4. Core Inflation Indicators SCA-H and SCA-I Food and Non-Food Prices (Seasonally Adjusted, 3-Month Moving Average, Annualized, Percent) Food and Catering Services SCA-I 2 0815 4 2 0615 4 0415 6 0215 8 6 1214 0915 0615 0315 1214 0914 0614 3 0314 3 1213 5 0913 5 10 8 1014 7 12 10 0814 7 12 0614 9 0414 9 14 0214 11 1213 11 16 14 1013 13 18 CPI (excl. food and catering services) 16 0813 13 18 0613 15 0413 15 0213 SCA-H (Annual Percent Change) Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. In addition to the exchange rates, which are likely to be driven by domestic and global uncertainties, the course of food inflation, medium-term inflation expectations and repercussions of wage developments on inflation will be critical for the inflation outlook over the upcoming period. The establishment of the Committee on Monitoring and Evaluating Food and Agricultural Product Markets has been an important structural reform regarding inflation. The measures to be adopted in coordination with this committee may provide structural and cyclical support to bring food inflation down. Against this background, inflation is expected to hover around current levels for some time due to exchange rate effects and start slowing down afterwards. Conditional on the fiscal policy regarding revenues and expenditures, inflation is projected to reach the 5-percent target in the medium term. Supply and Demand According to the GDP data of the second quarter of 2015, economic activity proved more robust compared to the outlook presented in the July Inflation Report, and the GDP rose by 1.3 and 3.8 percent on a quarterly and annual basis, respectively (Chart 1.2.5). An analysis of seasonally adjusted national income components on the production side indicates that the industrial value added provided the highest contribution to the GDP, with other items also contributing positively to the GDP (Chart 1.2.6). Second-quarter seasonally adjusted data on the expenditures side reveal that final domestic demand grew due to both consumption and investment expenditures. In the first half of 2015, domestic demand made a higher contribution to growth than external demand. Indicators for the third quarter hint at a moderate economic activity, while also suggesting that the growth composition might change in favor of net exports in the second half. Sales, production and import indicators regarding industrial production and domestic demand show that final domestic demand will provide a modest contribution to growth. Additionally, the rising demand from EU countries is expected to have a positive impact on Turkey’s exports in the upcoming period. Thus, considering the likely slowdown in import demand based on domestic demand developments, the contribution of external demand to growth is expected to increase in the second half. 6 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 1.2.5. Chart 1.2.6. GDP and Final Domestic Demand Annual GDP Growth and Contributions from the Production Side (Percentage Points) GDP Final Domestic Demand 34 34 Millions (Seasonally Adjusted, Billion TL, 1998 Prices) Net Taxes Agriculture Construction Industry Services GDP 5 5 32 32 30 30 3 28 28 2 2 26 26 1 1 24 24 0 0 22 -1 22 4 1234123412341234123412341234123412 4 3 -1 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 20142015 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. Thanks to the macroprudential policy framework in effect since 2011, the GDP continues to grow at a moderate pace while the final domestic demand has seen some recovery following the rebalancing process (Chart 1.2.7). Tightening in financial conditions due to domestic and international developments poses a downside risk to domestic demand, but this tightening may prove temporary with waning domestic uncertainty. Moreover, the robust post-crisis employment performance is expected to support domestic demand via the income channel. In addition, the likely fall in the current account deficit and the strong public finance generate room for stabilizing economic policies to dampen the effects of possible shocks. Regarding Turkey’s trading partners; the recovery in the EU is expected to support Turkey’s exports, while ambiguities about exports to the MENA region, Russia and Iraq pose downside risks. Uncertainties about the effects of the Fed’s policy decisions and the slowing Chinese economy on the global economy as well as concerns related to the sustainability of the European recovery also point to downside risks for external demand. In sum, 2016 is expected to witness a moderate growth in domestic demand, a recovery in external demand and a continued rebalancing in the growth composition. The current account balance is anticipated to improve further with the support of the moderate domestic demand, slowdown in consumer loans and favorable developments in the terms of trade (Chart 1.2.8). Chart 1.2.7. Chart 1.2.8. GDP and Final Domestic Demand Growth Current Account Balance (8-Quarter Moving Average) (12-Month Cumulative, Billion USD) Current Account Balance Current Account Balance (excl. gold) Current Account Balance (excl. energy and gold) 30 30 0.0 -0.5 -1.0 -1.0 -1.5 -1.5 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 12 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 Source: TURKSTAT. Inflation Report 2015-IV -30 -50 -50 -70 -70 -90 -90 0815 0.0 -0.5 -30 0215 0.5 0814 1.0 0.5 -10 0214 1.0 -10 0813 1.5 10 0213 1.5 10 0812 2.0 0212 2.5 2.0 0811 3.0 2.5 0211 3.5 3.0 0810 3.5 0210 Final Domestic Demand 0809 GDP Source: CBRT. 7 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Oil, Import and Food Prices The fall in international commodity prices, especially energy, continued into the third quarter. Backed by the slowing economies of China and other emerging countries, this downtrend caused import prices in Turkey to decline in USD terms. Therefore, assumptions for crude oil prices and USDdenominated import prices were revised downward (Charts 1.2.9 and 1.2.10). On an annual basis, the average crude oil price assumption was decreased from 59 USD to 54 USD for 2015 and from 63 USD to 54 USD for 2016. Additionally, assumptions for annual percentage changes in average import prices were revised downwards by 1.9 points for 2015 and 2016. Meanwhile, year-end projections for food prices were left unchanged, with the food inflation assumption remaining at 8 percent for end-2015 and end-2016. Chart 1.2.9. Chart 1.2.10. Revisions in Oil Prices* Revisions in Import Prices* (USD/bbl) (USD, 2010=100) July 2015 October 2015 120 120 110 110 100 100 90 90 80 80 70 70 60 60 50 50 Actual 1213 0214 0414 0614 0814 1014 1214 0215 0415 0615 0815 1015 1215 0216 0416 0616 0816 1016 1216 40 40 July 2015 115 115 110 110 105 105 100 100 95 95 90 90 Actual 85 85 1213 0214 0414 0614 0814 1014 1214 0215 0415 0615 0815 1015 1215 0216 0416 0616 0816 1016 1216 October 2015 * Shaded area denotes the forecast horizon. Source: Bloomberg, CBRT. Fiscal Policy and Tax Adjustments The medium-term fiscal policy stance is based on the MTP projections covering the 2016-2018 period. Compared with the previous MTP, the new projections envisage slightly higher revenues and expenditures as a ratio of the GDP in 2015 and a somewhat slower decline in these ratios in the following years. Conditional on this outlook, inflation is expected to improve gradually and reach the 5percent target in the medium term. 1.3. Inflation and the Monetary Policy Outlook Medium-term forecasts are based on the framework that the tight monetary policy stance will be maintained until there is a significant improvement in the inflation outlook. Moreover, the annual loan growth rate is envisioned to hover around reasonable levels, also on the back of macroprudential measures. Accordingly, inflation is expected to be, with 70 percent probability, between 7.4 percent and 8.4 percent (with a mid-point of 7.9 percent) at end-2015 and between 5.0 percent and 8.0 percent (with a mid-point of 6.5 percent) at end-2016. Inflation is projected to near 5 percent at end2017 and stabilize around 5 percent in the medium term (Chart 1.3.1). 8 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 1.3.1. Inflation and Output Gap Forecasts (Percent) Forecast Range Uncertainty Band Year-End Inflation Target Output Gap 12 12 10 10 Forecast Horizon 8 8 0918 0618 0318 1217 0917 0617 -4 0317 -4 1216 -2 0916 -2 0616 0 0316 0 1215 2 0915 2 0615 4 0315 4 1214 6 0914 6 * Shaded area denotes the 70 percent confidence interval for the forecast. Source: CBRT. The rise in core inflation due to the exchange rate depreciation in the third quarter brought the end-2015 inflation forecast up by 1.2 points compared to the July Inflation Report forecast. Yet, the improvement in import prices in the inter-reporting period pulled down the year-end inflation forecast by 0.2 points. Accordingly, the end-2015 inflation forecast, which was set as 6.9 percent in the July Inflation Report, was revised upwards by 1 point (Chart 1.3.1). The end-2016 inflation forecast was revised upward by 1 point to 6.5 percent from 5.5 percent in the July Inflation Report. The upward revision in the end-2015 inflation forecast and the delayed effects of exchange rate movements are expected to drive the end-2016 inflation forecast up by 0.6 and 0.8 points, respectively. However, the decline in the assumption for average import prices for 2016 and the small downward revision to the output gap forecast for 2016 brought the end-2016 inflation forecast down by 0.3 and 0.1 points, respectively, from the previous reporting period. 1.4. Risks and the Monetary Policy Loans continue to grow at reasonable levels in annualized terms in response to the tight monetary policy stance and macroprudential measures. The CBRT highlighted that loan growth has displayed a notable deceleration due to tighter financial conditions caused by recently elevated domestic and external uncertainties. Specifically, commercial loans denominated in foreign currency and consumer loans have lost significant momentum. With respect to the composition of loans, commercial loans continue to grow faster than consumer loans. This composition not only limits medium-term inflationary pressures, but also helps to improve the current account balance. In addition to the moderate economic activity, rising loan rates and the tightening of other financial conditions also signal that loan growth may remain lower than past years’ averages in the upcoming period. Final domestic demand was the main driver of growth in the first half of 2015, while external demand remained weak. Indicators for the third-quarter point to a moderate economic activity, whereas the composition of growth hints at a slight slowdown in domestic demand and a recovery in Inflation Report 2015-IV 9 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey exports. The weak consumer confidence and tighter financial conditions curb private consumption and investment demand. The slowing domestic demand and the changes in real exchange rates drive imports lower. On the exports front, despite the negative impact of geopolitical developments, the rising demand from EU members affects Turkey’s exports positively. Against this background, the CBRT expects the growth composition to shift gradually in favor of net exports in the upcoming period. This shift is expected to have a positive impact on the current account balance. Moreover, the favorable developments in the terms of trade and the sluggish course of consumer loans contribute to the improvement in the current account balance. Accordingly, the improvement in the current account balance, which became evident with the August figures, is expected to continue. Energy price developments continue to affect inflation favorably. The negative impact of cumulative exchange rate developments since early 2015 on the inflation outlook is partly offset by lower oil prices. Food prices, on the other hand, remain volatile mainly due to unprocessed food prices, which pose both upside and downside risks to the year-end inflation forecast. The cumulative Turkish lira depreciation caused the annual core goods inflation to rise and the core inflation to deteriorate slightly. However, the tight monetary policy stance and the moderate domestic demand cause the pass-through from the exchange rate to prices to remain limited compared to similar periods in previous years. Accordingly, considering the impact of the uncertainty in domestic and global markets on inflation expectations and taking into account the volatility in energy and food prices, the CBRT decided to maintain the tight liquidity stance as long as deemed necessary. Future monetary policy decisions will be conditional on the inflation outlook. Taking inflation expectations, pricing behavior and the course of other factors affecting inflation into consideration, the tight monetary policy stance will be maintained. Uncertainties surrounding global monetary policies and concerns over global growth cause financial markets to remain volatile. Thus, portfolio flows to emerging economies and risk indicators follow a highly volatile pattern. The measures announced in the CBRT’s road map, which will be followed during the normalization of global monetary policies, strengthen the resilience of the economy against global shocks. The current monetary policy stance remains tight against the inflation outlook, stabilizing for the FX liquidity, and supportive of financial stability. Should the decline in loan growth rates become permanent and exchange rates continue to face upward pressure over the upcoming period, the CBRT will preserve the tight monetary policy stance, and also take measures to support the Turkish lira and loan growth by easing the conditions for the use of foreign currency denominated collateral. Developments in the fiscal policy and tax adjustments are monitored closely with regard to their effects on the inflation outlook. The baseline monetary policy stance is formulated under the assumption that fiscal discipline will be maintained and there will be no unanticipated hikes in administered prices. A revision of the monetary policy stance may be considered, should the fiscal policy deviate significantly from this framework, and consequently have an adverse effect on the medium-term inflation outlook. Sustained fiscal discipline has become a fundamental element in reducing the sensitivity of the Turkish economy against external shocks in recent years. In the current environment of highly uncertain 10 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey global markets, the value added from maintaining and further advancing these achievements is significant. Any measure that would ensure the sustainability of the fiscal discipline and reduce the savings deficit will support macroeconomic stability and contribute positively to social welfare by keeping interest rates of long-term government securities at low levels. Inflation Report 2015-IV 11 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey 12 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey 2. International Economic Developments In the second quarter of 2015, global economic activity remained weak due to the sluggish growth of emerging economies. The ongoing deceleration in the Chinese economy and its implications for the commodity market and global trade continued to dampen the growth outlook in emerging economies. In fact, the growth forecasts for commodity-exporting emerging economies which have close trade ties with China have been revised downward recently. On the advanced economies front, the moderate growth continued into the second quarter, especially in the US and the Euro area. Yet, lower commodity prices weighed on commodity-exporting advanced economies as well. China’s growth performance appears to be one of the major downside risks to the global economic activity for the upcoming period. Thus, in case the Chinese economy continues to slow down, resulting in even more slide in China’s imports, commodity prices may slump further and global trade may remain subdued, causing the global economic outlook to remain sluggish for some time. The fall in commodity prices, especially energy, persisted into the third quarter, which was mostly driven by stagnant Chinese economy and the weak course of demand in emerging economies. These effects are expected to pull commodity prices down further in coming months. Plunging oil and commodity prices continue to repress inflation rates across advanced economies. Additionally, exchange rate developments in advanced economies also pose downward pressure on inflation rates. On the other hand, the slump in commodity prices triggers capital outflows from commodity-exporting emerging economies, driving exchange rates and thus inflation rates higher. Assuming that the Chinese economy continues to grow mildly and the Fed decides not to hold off rate hikes for a long time, the divergence between inflation rates in advanced and emerging economies may continue into the upcoming period. The third quarter was marked by risk aversion due to the Chinese slowdown, the weak growth in emerging economies and the expectations of a Fed rate hike; while emerging economies saw increasing capital outflows during the same period. Despite downside risks to their growth outlook, most emerging market central banks kept policy rates constant amid weaker capital flows and uncertainties over global monetary policies. The relatively tepid readings on the recovery of the US economic activity and labor market and the likely spillovers from the global slowdown to the US economy signal that the first rate hike, which was supposed to happen before the end of the year, will take place in the first quarter of 2016 at the earliest. Although the delay in the Fed rate hike might spur capital flows into emerging economies, the weak growth outlook for emerging economies remains the key downside risk to capital inflows. 2.1. Global Growth Global economic activity continued to decelerate through the second quarter mostly due to the ongoing sluggish growth in emerging economies (Chart 2.1.1). The Chinese economy slowed further, whereas Russian and Brazilian contraction deepened. In this period, the annual growth rate of emerging economies turned negative in Eastern Europe and approached zero in Latin America (Chart 2.1.2). On the other hand, advanced economies, especially the US and the Euro area, displayed a positive growth performance, recording a quarter-on-quarter increase in the second quarter (Chart 2.1.1). Inflation Report 2015-IV 13 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 2.1.1. Chart 2.1.2. Global Growth Rates* Regional Growth Rates* (Annual Percent Change) (Annual Percent Change) Latin America Asia Eastern Europe Emerging Economies Advanced Economies 10 10 Global GDP 6 6 2 2 -2 -2 -6 1234123412341234123412341234123412 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 15 12 9 9 6 6 3 3 0 0 -3 -3 -6 -6 -9 -6 -9 23412341234123412341234123412 2008 2009 * Weighted by each country’s share in global GDP. Source: Bloomberg, CBRT. 12 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 15 * Weighted by each country’s share in regional GDP. Source: Bloomberg, CBRT. The global PMI data of the third quarter signal a persistent global economic slowdown (Chart 2.1.3). The readings on the US and Euro area manufacturing industry PMI suggest that both economies continued to experience a positive growth performance in the third quarter but at a decelerating pace (Chart 2.1.4). Specifically, the worse-than-expected US non-farm employment data of August and September and the resulting year-on-year drop in job openings reflect the slowing US growth. Meanwhile, the Japanese manufacturing industry PMI turned favorable in the third quarter (Chart 2.1.4). Both this PMI outlook and the base effect indicate that Japan might see a positive annual growth rate in the third quarter. The emerging markets PMI for manufacturing and services continued to decline in the third quarter (Chart 2.1.5). The manufacturing PMI data for China, Poland and Mexico were particularly down quarter-on-quarter. Moreover, financial markets became highly volatile amid worries about China while emerging economies faced capital outflows. Therefore, the slowing economic activity across emerging economies is expected to continue into the third quarter of 2015. Chart 2.1.3. Chart 2.1.4. Global PMI Manufacturing Industry PMI Services 58 58 Manufacturing Euro Area USA Japan 60 56 0715 0315 1114 0714 0314 1113 0713 0313 1112 0712 48 0312 48 1111 50 0711 50 0311 52 1110 52 0710 54 0310 54 55 55 50 50 45 45 40 40 0310 0710 1110 0311 0711 1111 0312 0712 1112 0313 0713 1113 0314 0714 1114 0315 0715 56 60 Source: Markit. 14 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey In sum, the global economy might continue to slow in the third quarter due to emerging economies. The October Consensus Forecasts bulletin shows that growth forecasts for 2015 hardly changed in the inter-reporting period (Table 2.1.1). Yet, on the advanced economies front, growth forecasts for 2015 were revised upward for the US and downward for Japan. On the emerging economies side, year-end growth forecasts for both 2015 and 2016 were revised downwards, particularly for Latin America (Table 2.1.1). Accordingly, the annual growth rate of the export-weighted global production index revised by October forecasts declined from the previous reporting period, which signals further weakness in Turkey’s external demand in the upcoming period (Chart 2.1.6). Table 2.1.1. Growth Forecasts for end-2015 and end-2016 (Annual Percent Change) July Global Advanced Economies USA Euro Area Germany France Italy Spain Japan UK Emerging Economies Asia-Pacific China India Latin America Brazil Eastern Europe Russia October 2015 2.6 2016 3.1 2015 2.5 2016 2.9 2.4 1.5 1.9 1.2 0.7 3.0 1.0 2.5 2.8 1.8 1.9 1.6 1.2 2.6 1.7 2.4 2.5 1.5 1.8 1.1 0.8 3.2 0.6 2.5 2.6 1.7 1.9 1.5 1.3 2.7 1.3 2.4 5.9 6.8 7.7 0.0 -1.6 0.0 -3.5 6.0 6.7 8.0 1.5 0.6 2.1 0.4 5.8 6.8 7.5 -0.7 -2.8 -0.1 -3.9 5.7 6.5 7.8 0.5 -1.0 1.7 -0.1 Source: Consensus Forecasts. Chart 2.1.5. Chart 2.1.6. Emerging Markets PMI Export-Weighted Global Production Index* (Annual Percent Change) Services 58 58 Manufacturing 56 56 54 54 52 52 6 July Inflation Report Forecast at 1.89 4 4 2 2 0 -2 -2 -4 0715 0315 1114 0714 0314 1113 0713 0313 1112 0712 0312 1111 0711 -6 0311 48 1110 48 0710 -4 0310 50 Inflation Report 2015-IV 0 October Inflation Report Forecast at 1.87 50 Source: Markit. 6 -6 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 * Weighted by each country’s share in Turkey’s exports. Source: Bloomberg, CBRT. 15 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey 2.2. Commodity Prices and Global Inflation In the third quarter of 2015, the headline commodity price index dropped by 18.5 percent from the end of the previous quarter. In this period, precious metal prices remained horizontal while energy prices, industrial metal prices and agricultural prices slumped by 23.2, 9.5 and 11 percent, respectively, largely due to shortage of demand from emerging economies, particularly China. Although strikingly low commodity prices call for a correction in commodity supply, the rather slow correction, especially in the oil market, adds to the downside pressure on commodity prices (Chart 2.2.1). Chart 2.2.1. Chart 2.2.2. S&P Goldman Sachs Commodity Price Indices Crude Oil (Brent) Prices* (January 2014=100) (USD/bbl) Source: Bloomberg. 60 60 40 40 0716 80 0116 80 0715 40 100 0115 40 100 0714 60 120 0114 60 120 0713 80 1015 80 0715 100 0415 100 0115 120 1014 120 0714 140 0414 140 0114 24 July 2015 23 October 2015 Spot Energy Precious Metals 0113 Headline Industrial Metals Agriculture * 24 July 2015 and 23 October 2015 denote the arithmetic mean of the prices quoted at futures contracts during 1-24 July 2015 and 1-23 October 2015, respectively. Source: Bloomberg. Oil prices plummeted in the third quarter. With low oil prices beginning to have more evident negative implications on oil-exporting countries, China’s expansionary economic policy and mounting concerns about the sustainability of OPEC’s low price policy appear to have minimal impact on oil prices. Similarly, rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East affected oil prices only slightly. Thus, December 2015 contracts for Brent crude oil, which were traded at 59 USD on average in July, have been trading at 49.9 USD on average as of 23 October (Chart 2.2.2). Whether OPEC and non-OPEC oil exporters will announce a policy change to reduce oil supply and how geopolitical risks will unfold are among the main factors to shape oil prices in the upcoming period. While the US shale oil industry faces a contraction, Iran’s likely return to the international oil market may balance the supply. Against this background, the global supply glut will support the current level of oil prices in the short term. In the inter-reporting period, inflation rates were down across advanced and emerging economies amid falling oil prices. Core inflation rates, on the other hand, edged up in both country groups (Charts 2.2.3 and 2.2.4). Meanwhile, inflation soared in some commodity-exporting economies such as Russia, Brazil and Argentina. 16 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 2.2.3. Chart 2.2.4. CPI Inflation in Advanced and Emerging Economies Core Inflation in Advanced and Emerging Economies (Annual Percent Change) (Annual Percent Change) Emerging Economies Emerging Economies 8 5 6 6 4 4 4 4 3 3 2 2 2 2 0 0 1 1 -2 -2 0 0 0315 0914 0314 0913 0313 0312 0911 0311 0910 0315 0914 0314 0913 0313 0912 0312 0911 0311 0910 Source: Bloomberg, CBRT. 5 Advanced Economies Advanced Economies 0912 8 Source: Bloomberg, DataStream, CBRT. Global inflation expectations for end-2015 and end-2016 were revised upwards for emerging economies compared to the previous reporting period. Advanced economies, on the other hand, saw a modest downward revision. The rising inflation expectations for emerging economies were mostly fueled by Latin America and Eastern Europe. In particular, inflation expectations worsened further in Brazil and Russia (Table 2.2.1). Falling prices of oil and other commodities continue to dampen inflation rates across advanced economies. For commodity-exporting emerging economies on the other hand, this downtrend drives inflation higher by worsening expectations. Meanwhile, exchange rate developments reinforce the course of inflation in related country groups. More specifically, the appreciating USD curbs the US inflation while the depreciating currencies of emerging economies, such as Russia and Brazil, push inflation rates higher in these countries. Assuming that the economic growth continues to slow down across the globe and especially in China, a major commodity importer, and the Fed starts to hike policy rates soon, the current inflation outlook may remain unchanged – repressed in advanced economies and elevated in emerging economies – in the short term. Table 2.2.1. Inflation Forecasts for end-2015 and end-2016 (Annual Percent Change) July Global Advanced Economies USA Euro Area Germany France Italy Spain Greece Japan UK Emerging Economies Asia-Pacific China India Latin America Brazil* Eastern Europe Russia October 2015 2.6 2016 3.1 2015 3.2 2016 3.6 0.2 0.2 0.6 0.3 0.2 -0.2 -1.3 0.2 0.8 2.2 1.3 1.6 1.2 1.1 1.1 0.3 1.6 1.1 0.2 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.1 -0.4 -1.3 0.1 0.8 1.8 1.1 1.4 1.0 0.9 0.9 2.1 1.4 0.8 2.0 1.4 5.4 14.5 8.4 8.0 12.0 2.5 1.9 5.6 12.0 5.5 5.6 6.8 2.0 1.6 5.0 24.6 9.7 8.4 13.1 2.6 2.1 5.4 25.1 6.1 5.8 7.2 * December to December. Source: Consensus Forecasts. Inflation Report 2015-IV 17 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey 2.3. Financial Conditions, Risk Indicators and Capital Flows Following the ongoing global economic slowdown in the third quarter, concerns about the Chinese economy and the approaching date of a likely Fed rate hike caused the global risk appetite to decline sharply (Chart 2.3.1). However, owing to the end-August policy rate cut of the People's Bank of China and the Fed’s subsequent hints for delaying the first rate hike further, investors’ deteriorating appetite for risk was reversed (Chart 2.3.2). With rising risk aversion and the recent worse-than-expected non-farm employment in the US as well as fears of possible spillovers from the global economic slowdown into the US economy, financial markets’ expectations for the Fed's first policy rate hike were pushed to 2016. Chart 2.3.1. Chart 2.3.2. Exchange Rate Volatility Policy Rate Projections of the FOMC Members (Basis Points) (Median, Percent) VXY Volatility Index 17 September 2015 EM-VXY Volatility Index 17 June 2015 19 March 2014 3.0 2.5 2.5 9 9 2.0 2.0 8 8 1.5 1.5 7 7 1.0 1.0 6 6 0.5 0.5 5 5 0915 3.0 10 0715 11 10 0515 11 0315 3.5 0115 3.5 1114 12 0914 12 0714 4.0 0514 4.0 0314 13 0114 13 0.0 0.0 2015 Source: Bloomberg, JP Morgan. 2016 2017 Longer-Term Source: Fed. Amid a growing market sentiment that the Fed would delay the rate hike as well as expectations of continued monetary easing by other major central banks, long-term returns in advanced economies began to fall again in July (Chart 2.3.3). Yet, downturn in the stock markets of both advanced and emerging economies, which had been accelerating since August, was replaced by a rebound in October. Chart 2.3.3. Chart 2.3.4. 10-Year Treasury Bond Yields Weekly Fund Flows to Emerging Economies (Percent) (Billion USD) Germany USA UK Japan 3.5 Equity Funds 3.5 Bond Funds 15 150 52-Week Cumulative Fund Flow (right axis) 3.0 10 2.5 2.5 5 2.0 2.0 0 1.5 1.5 -5 1.0 1.0 -10 0.5 0.5 -15 -100 0.0 0.0 -20 -150 3.0 100 50 Source: Bloomberg. 18 0915 0715 0515 0115 0315 1114 0914 0714 0514 0114 0314 1113 0913 0713 0513 -50 0113 0313 0915 0515 0115 0914 0514 0114 0913 0513 0113 0 Source: EPFR. Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey The recent rapid decline in the global risk appetite worsened the risk sentiment toward emerging economies, causing emerging market risk premiums to rise markedly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America until the end of September (Chart 5.1.1). This increase in risk premiums ended as of October after lowered expectations for a Fed rate hike. Accordingly, international investors grew more risk averse in August and September, and stock and bond markets in emerging economies saw sizeable outflows in the third quarter (Chart 2.3.4). Despite losing some momentum after September’s FOMC meeting, these outflows continued until October. Capital flows are expected to be heavily influenced by the Fed’s policy decisions and hints in the upcoming period. Signals of a further delay in the muchanticipated Fed rate hike seem to drive capital flows into emerging economies but the ongoing uncertainty about the timing of this policy rate increase and the weak growth outlook for emerging economies, especially China, contribute to the downside risks to emerging market capital inflows. 2.4. Global Monetary Policy In the third quarter of 2015, global monetary policy decisions generally reflected unchanged policy rates. On the advanced economies front, after the Bank of Canada and the Sveriges Riksbank opted for a policy rate cut in July, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and the Norges Bank lowered their policy rates by 25 basis points each in September (Chart 2.4.1). Emerging economies displayed a similar pattern, with the Magyar Nemzeti Bank and the Central Bank of Brazil deciding to keep policy rates constant at their September meetings after a prolonged stable cut in Hungary and a steady increase in Brazil. However, the People’s Bank of China lowered its policy rate by 25 basis points in August and the Reserve Bank of India opted for a rate cut of 50 basis points in September, whereas the Central Reserve Bank of Peru and Central Bank of Colombia hiked their policy rates by 25 basis points each in September and the Central Bank of Chile favored a 25 basis point rate increase in October (Chart 2.4.2). Chart 2.4.1. Chart 2.4.2. Policy Rate Changes in Advanced Economies between January 2014 and October 2015* (Basis Points) Policy Rate Changes in Emerging Economies between January 2014 and October 2015* (Basis Points) October 2015 August 2015 2015Q2 2014 100 75 September 2015 July 2015 2015Q1 100 75 1000 September 2015 July 2015 2015Q1 1250 1000 50 500 500 250 250 0 0 Mexico Romania Turkey -750 South Africa -500 -750 Russia -500 Hungary -250 Indonesia -250 Poland -125 Canada -125 Czech Republic -100 Euro Area -100 Norway -75 Australia -75 Korea -50 Sweden -50 Israel -25 Colombia 0 Peru 0 -25 750 Thailand 25 Chile 25 750 Brazil 50 October 2015 August 2015 2015Q2 2014 1250 * As of 23 October 2015. Source: Bloomberg, CBRT. The fact that the Fed’s September meeting delivered no rate hike had major implications for global monetary policy. The post-meeting statement of the FOMC underlined that economic conditions had yet to warrant a policy rate increase but indicated that a policy rate hike would be Inflation Report 2015-IV 19 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey likely over the remainder of the year. The timing and pace of a Fed rate hike remains crucial to financial markets. According to the forecasts announced in the September statement, the FOMC members lowered their expectations for the federal funds rate at all maturities; yet the expectation for a one-off rate hike in 2015 is still valid, albeit less strong (Chart 2.3.2). In conclusion, market expectations for the federal funds rate were revised significantly downward compared to the previous reporting period, with forecasts for the first rate hike now being shifted into the first quarter of 2016 (Chart 2.4.3). Chart 2.4.3. US Federal Funds Futures (Percent) 24 July 2015 2.0 2.0 9 October 2015 0618 0418 0218 1217 1017 0817 0617 0.0 0417 0.2 0.0 0217 0.4 0.2 1216 0.6 0.4 1016 0.8 0.6 0816 1.0 0.8 0616 1.2 1.0 0416 1.4 1.2 0216 1.6 1.4 1215 1.8 1.6 1015 1.8 Maturity Source: Bloomberg. 20 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey 3. Inflation Developments In the third quarter of 2015, consumer inflation increased by approximately 0.75 points compared to the previous quarter and reached 7.95 percent due to the rise in food and core goods prices. Following the correction in unprocessed food prices in the second quarter, the contribution of food prices to inflation increased again in this quarter. Moreover, annual core goods inflation rose by 2 points as the Turkish lira continued to depreciate in the third quarter from the first half of the year. Despite the depreciation in the Turkish lira, the plunge in oil prices lowered the annual energy inflation in the third quarter. Services inflation fell in this period due mostly to the base effect in transport and communication services, whereas inflation in food prices and services categories sensitive to exchange rates saw rising figures. Thus, the underlying trend of core inflation indicators recorded a slight quarteron-quarter decline, yet still remained elevated. In the third quarter of 2015, prices increased faster than historical averages in all subcategories excluding energy (Chart 3.1). The course of food prices was mainly determined by unprocessed food prices, particularly fresh fruits and red meat. The contribution of core goods and food prices to inflation crept up by 0.4 and 0.3 points, respectively, whereas that of the energy prices fell by 0.1 points on a quarterly basis (Chart 3.2). In accordance with the prices of core goods and services, core inflation indicators also increased higher than past averages in this period. Chart 3.1. Chart 3.2. CPI by Subcategories Contributions to Annual CPI (Third-Quarter, Quarterly Percent Change) 2007-2014 Average (Percentage Points) 2015 Core Goods* 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 0 Services Tobacco and Gold** Energy Food 12 12 10 10 8 8 0 6 6 -1 -1 4 4 -2 -2 2 2 -3 -3 -4 -4 0 Food Energy Tobacco Core Services and Goods* Gold** CPI 0 I III 2008 I III 2009 I III 2010 I III 2011 I III 2012 I III 2013 I III I III 2014 2015 * Tobacco and Gold: Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and gold. ** Core Goods: Goods excluding food, energy, alcoholic beverages, tobacco and gold. Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. In sum, annual inflation increased in the third quarter due to ongoing increases in food prices as well as the depreciation of the Turkish lira. In spite of the fall in USD-denominated import prices, especially oil, exchange rate movements pushed the core inflation upwards. However, the passthrough of the depreciation in the Turkish lira to non-energy prices is assumed to be limited thanks to the mild outlook in aggregate demand conditions. In the upcoming period, the effects of domestic and global uncertainties on exchange rate movements as well as the course of food prices are the Inflation Report 2015-IV 21 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey leading risks to the inflation outlook. Moreover, the deterioration in medium-term inflation expectations constitutes a significant risk factor to categories like services, which present inflationary inertia. 3.1. Core Inflation Outlook Annual core goods inflation rose by 1.98 points to 7.94 percent in the third quarter (Table 3.1.1 and Chart 3.1.1). This was owed to annual inflation in durable goods, which increased by around 5 points to 9.89 percent due to the exchange rate effects. As for other categories in core goods, annual inflation in clothing declined in this period, while inflation in core goods excluding clothing and durable goods saw a slight rise (Chart 3.1.2). In the third quarter, the Turkish lira depreciated against the USD and the euro by around 11 percent, and the effect of exchange rate movements on core goods prices grew more apparent. The modest course of demand conditions limited the exchange rate pass-through in this period, yet the cumulative depreciation of the Turkish lira weighed on inflation pressures on durable goods. In fact, monthly price increases in durable goods were high in July and even higher in September, especially in home appliances and automobiles. Chart 3.1.1. Prices of Core Goods and Services (Annual Percent Change) Core Goods Services 14 12 12 10 10 8 8 6 6 4 4 2 2 0 0 -2 -2 1208 0309 0609 0909 1209 0310 0610 0910 1210 0311 0611 0911 1211 0312 0612 0912 1212 0313 0613 0913 1213 0314 0614 0914 1214 0315 0615 0915 14 Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. In core goods excluding clothing and durable goods, where exchange rate depreciation is observed to have a lagged effect, prices exhibited a surge in September as opposed to the mild course in July and August. Contrary to strong exchange-rate-driven effects in these categories, clothing prices remained modest in the third quarter. In line with the mild course of the aggregate demand, clothing prices saw higher-than-average decline in seasonal sales, which partially limited the deterioration in the core inflation outlook. 22 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 3.1.2. Chart 3.1.3. Core Goods Prices Core Goods Prices (Annual Percent Change) Core Goods (excl. durable goods and clothing) (Seasonally Adjusted, 3-Month Moving Average, Annualized) Durable Goods (excl. gold) Clothing 0915 0315 0914 0314 0913 0915 0313 -10 0912 -10 0312 -10 0911 -10 0311 -5 0910 -5 0310 -5 0909 -5 0309 0 0908 0 0308 0 0907 0 0315 5 0914 5 0314 5 0913 5 0313 10 0912 10 0312 10 0911 10 0311 15 0910 15 0310 15 0909 15 0309 20 0908 20 0308 20 0907 20 Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. Against this background, the contribution of core goods to consumer inflation grew by 0.45 points to 2.09 points in the third quarter (Chart 3.2). The underlying trend of core goods inflation continued to be high in this period (Chart 3.1.3). In September, seasonally adjusted data signaled a notable increase especially in prices of core goods excluding clothing. Also, the depreciation of the Turkish lira is projected to have further adverse effects on core goods inflation in the last quarter. Table 3.1.1. Prices of Goods and Services* (Quarterly and Annual Percent Change) 2014 CPI 1. Goods Energy Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Unprocessed Food Processed Food Core Goods Clothing and Footwear Durable Goods (excl. gold) Furniture Electrical and Non-Electrical Appliances Automobile Other Durable Goods Core Goods (excl. clothing and durable goods) Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco and Gold 2. Services Rent Restaurants and Hotels Transport Communication Other 2015 III IV Annual I II III 0.69 -0.30 0.11 1.50 0.02 2.82 -2.39 -10.50 -0.08 -1.11 0.69 -0.10 0.26 1.82 0.45 3.05 2.25 3.95 4.05 2.48 2.67 1.63 1.99 -0.74 2.90 3.53 2.36 2.98 10.38 -0.29 1.56 -0.31 -1.19 1.07 1.38 0.00 0.81 1.78 2.02 -0.38 0.14 0.21 8.17 7.99 -1.54 12.73 12.24 13.16 8.89 8.40 8.70 7.73 1.64 13.72 7.02 9.57 7.73 8.59 7.34 13.98 7.76 2.50 8.64 3.03 3.34 1.96 8.82 16.40 2.30 -1.10 -12.43 3.91 3.55 2.44 5.14 1.38 1.78 4.49 2.32 1.47 3.42 0.10 2.26 2.95 1.68 1.37 1.44 -3.85 -9.27 1.45 6.60 22.37 1.43 1.24 0.98 1.62 3.19 2.16 0.61 2.40 1.77 3.59 2.06 -0.11 3.00 1.39 0.81 -0.70 2.85 3.56 2.22 -0.57 -11.81 4.57 3.20 4.00 5.60 2.69 2.25 2.32 2.76 2.38 4.29 1.41 1.53 2.87 * Other services exclude rent, restaurants and hotels, transport and communication. Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. Annual services inflation declined by 0.31 points quarter-on-quarter to 8.54 percent in the third quarter (Chart 3.1.1). This was led by communication services and transport services, the annual inflation of which lost pace due to the falling international oil prices. Meanwhile, annual inflation in restaurants and hotels as well as rent and other services increased as the prices of these subcategories Inflation Report 2015-IV 23 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey recorded historical highs (Charts 3.1.4 and 3.1.5). Cumulative increases in food prices remained influential in restaurants and hotels, which mainly determine the high course in the services inflation. Chart 3.1.4. Chart 3.1.5. Prices of Services by Subcategories* Prices of Services by Subcategories* (Third-Quarter, Quarterly Percent Change) (Annual Percent Change) 2007-2014 Average 5 Other Communication Transport Rent Restaurants and Hotels 20 2015 3 3 2 2 1 1 0 0 15 20 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 -5 -5 0915 0315 0914 0314 0913 0313 0912 0312 0311 0910 0310 0909 0309 0908 Other Transport Restaurants-Hotels Services Communication 4 Rent 4 0911 5 * Other services exclude rent, restaurants and hotels, transport and communication. Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. Cost pressures continue to dominate prices of services. The elevated annual food inflation excluding fresh fruits and vegetables caused sustained hikes in catering services and annual inflation hit 14.8 percent (Chart 3.1.6). The cumulative impact of the depreciation in the Turkish lira remained influential in prices of other services (Chart 3.1.7). In addition to cost factors, the prolonged rise in consumer inflation and the deteriorated medium-term expectations have an adverse effect on the services inflation. Chart 3.1.6. Chart 3.1.7. Prices of Catering Services and Food Prices of Other Services and the Currency Basket* (Annual Percent Change) 16 (Annual Percent Change) Other Services Currency Basket (right axis) 12 14 10 12 8 10 6 8 4 6 2 Food (excl. fresh fruits and vegetables) Catering Services (right axis) 16 30 25 14 20 12 10 15 10 8 5 6 0 4 -5 Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. 0915 0315 0914 0314 0913 0313 0912 0312 0911 0311 0910 0310 -10 0909 0915 0315 0914 0314 0913 0313 0912 0312 0911 0311 0910 0310 0909 2 * Other services exclude rent, restaurants and hotels, transport and communication. Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. In the third quarter, the underlying trend and the diffusion index for services prices remained high amid the persisting cost pressures (Charts 3.1.8 and 3.1.9). 24 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 3.1.8. Chart 3.1.9. Prices of Services Diffusion Index for Prices of Services* (Seasonally Adjusted, 3-Month Moving Average, Annualized) (Seasonally Adjusted, 3-Month Moving Average) 0915 0315 0915 0914 0.2 0314 0.2 0913 0.3 0313 0.3 0912 0.4 0312 0.4 0911 0.5 0311 0.5 0910 0.6 0310 0.6 0909 0.7 0309 -2 0.7 0908 -2 0315 0 0914 2 0 0314 2 0913 4 0313 6 4 0912 6 0312 8 0911 10 8 0311 10 0910 12 0310 12 0909 14 0309 16 14 0908 16 * Diffusion index is calculated as the ratio of the number of items with increasing prices minus the number of items with decreasing prices to total number of items within a given month. Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. In line with the outlook for prices of core goods and services, annual inflation in SCA-H and SCA-I climbed to 8.26 and 8.23 percent, respectively, in the third quarter (Chart 3.1.10). Despite the slight quarter-on-quarter improvement, the underlying trend of core inflation indicators remained high in the third quarter (Chart 3.1.11). Chart 3.1.10. Chart 3.1.11. Core Inflation Indicators Core Inflation Indicators (Annual Percent Change) (Seasonally Adjusted, 3-Month Moving Average, Annualized, Percent) SCA-I 12 Source: TURKSTAT. 0915 0315 0914 0314 0913 0 0313 0 0912 2 0312 2 0911 4 0910 0311 4 0310 6 0909 6 0309 8 0908 8 0308 10 0907 10 20 SCA-H SCA-I 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 -5 -5 0907 0308 0908 0309 0909 0310 0910 0311 0911 0312 0912 0313 0913 0314 0914 0315 0915 SCA-H 12 Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. As of the end of the quarter, the likelihood for prices to rise remained virtually unchanged quarter-on-quarter as implied by the diffusion indices (Chart 3.1.12). Yet, the diffusion indices recorded a limited rise in September, unlike the preceding two months. SATRIM, one of the alternative core inflation indices monitored by the CBRT, remained relatively flat; whereas FCORE, which is a better indicator of the effects of food prices on inflation, posted a quarter-on-quarter increase (Chart 3.1.13). In sum, exchange rates and other cost factors had further adverse effects in the third quarter, while favorable import prices and the mild course of aggregate demand continued to curb cost pressures, albeit partially. Despite posting a quarter-on-quarter recovery, the underlying indicators are still well above the target-consistent levels. Inflation Report 2015-IV 25 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 3.1.12. Chart 3.1.13. Diffusion Indices for CPI and SCA-H Core Inflation Indicators SATRIM and FCORE* Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. -1 -1 0915 1 0315 3 1 0914 3 0314 0.0 5 0913 0.0 7 5 0313 0.1 7 0912 0.1 0912 0313 0913 0314 0914 0315 0915 0.2 0907 0308 0908 0309 0909 0310 0910 0311 0911 0312 0.2 9 0312 0.3 11 9 0911 0.3 13 0311 0.4 15 11 0910 0.4 SATRIM 13 0310 0.5 FCORE 15 0909 0.6 0309 0.5 (Annualized, 3-Month Moving Average) 0908 0.6 SCA-H 0308 CPI 0907 (Seasonally Adjusted, 3-Month Moving Average) * For further details, see Box 3.2, Inflation Report 2011-I. Source: CBRT. 3.2. Food, Energy and Alcohol-Tobacco Prices Food inflation headed upwards in the third quarter after a significant downward correction in the second quarter. Annual food inflation, which receded to 9.28 percent in June, climbed to 10.73 percent at the end of the third quarter, remaining above the previous Report’s assumptions (Chart 3.2.1). The rise in annual food inflation was attributed to unprocessed food prices (Chart 3.2.2). On account of the increased supply of fruits and vegetables, seasonally adjusted unprocessed food prices witnessed a correction in May and June. Nevertheless, this was reversed in the third quarter mainly due to soaring fruit prices. Moreover, red meat prices continued to trend upwards in this period due to the subdued supply in livestock. In fact, red meat prices surged by 5.53 percent in this quarter, while registering a 21.58 percent increase in year-on-year terms (Chart 3.2.3). Soaring red meat prices affected both food and catering services inflation negatively. On the other hand, amid the authorization to import carcass meat granted to the Meat and Milk Board, domestic meat prices remained relatively flat in September. As for food categories other than fresh fruits and vegetables as well as red meat, prices displayed a moderate outlook in this quarter. Accordingly, annual inflation in unprocessed food crept up by 3.87 points quarter-on-quarter to 13.23 percent in September. The annual inflation in processed food continued to slow down in the third quarter (Chart 3.2.2). Amid favorable developments in wheat production, inflation in bread and cereals decelerated further and dropped to 6 percent in annualized terms. Meanwhile, prices of processed food excluding bread and cereals followed a relatively mild course. On the other hand, significant surges registered by vegetable oil prices throughout 2015 curbed the fall in processed food inflation. 26 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 3.2.1. Chart 3.2.2. Food and Energy Prices Food Prices (Annual Percent Change) Processed Food Energy 2 0 -5 -5 -10 -10 0911 0915 0615 0315 1214 0914 0614 0314 1213 0913 0613 0313 1212 0912 -4 0612 -4 0312 -2 1211 0 0911 0 -2 0 0915 4 2 5 0615 4 5 0315 6 10 1214 6 10 0914 8 0314 10 8 15 1213 10 15 0913 12 0613 14 12 0313 14 20 1212 16 0912 16 Unprocessed Food 20 0612 18 0312 18 1211 Food 0614 (Annual Percent Change) Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. Due mostly to exchange rate effects, annual inflation in food and catering services rose to 11.56 percent, and consumer inflation excluding food and catering services reached 6.36 percent in the third quarter (Chart 3.2.4). Given the high share of food within the consumption basket, the course of food and related services can adversely affect inflation perception and expectation, especially among consumers. Thus, bringing inflation in food-related categories down to levels consistent with the consumer inflation target is of great importance. The measures to be proposed by the Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of Food and Agricultural Product Markets are expected to provide significant contribution in this regard. Chart 3.2.3. Chart 3.2.4. Selected Food Prices and CPI Food and Non-Food Prices (2005=100) (Annual Percent Change) 0 0915 2 0 0615 2 0315 4 1214 4 0914 6 0614 8 6 0314 8 1213 120 10 0913 120 10 0613 180 0311 0611 0911 1211 0312 0612 0912 1212 0313 0613 0913 1213 0314 0614 0914 1214 0315 0615 0915 180 12 0313 240 12 1212 240 14 0912 300 16 14 0612 300 Food and Catering Services CPI (excl. food and catering services) 16 0312 360 Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (seasonally adjusted) Red Meat 360 CPI (seasonally adjusted) Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. Energy prices fell by 0.70 percent in the third quarter. Given the downtrend in international oil prices during the third quarter, Brent crude oil prices receded to 47 USD at the end of the quarter. However, domestic energy prices were affected less favorably by the fall in international oil prices due to the depreciation of the Turkish lira. Accordingly, fuel and bottled gas prices declined by 3.23 and 1.41 percent, respectively, in this quarter (Chart 3.2.5). As for administered prices, electricity prices were virtually unchanged, while natural gas prices rose by 0.53 points. After the first-quarter jump, municipal Inflation Report 2015-IV 27 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey tap water tariffs remained almost flat in this quarter (Chart 3.2.6). As a result, annual energy inflation stood at 1.95 percent in the third quarter and continued to curb consumer inflation (Chart 3.2.1). Chart 3.2.5. Chart 3.2.6. Domestic Energy Prices and Crude Oil Domestic Energy Prices (December 2010=100) Brent Crude Oil (TL/bbl) (Annual Percent Change) Fuel Liquid Hydrocarbons (bottled gas) Natural Gas Electricity Fuel Liquid Hydrocarbons (bottled gas) 180 35 160 160 25 25 140 140 15 15 120 120 5 5 100 100 -5 -5 80 80 -15 -15 60 60 -25 -25 1210 0311 0611 0911 1211 0312 0612 0912 1212 0313 0613 0913 1213 0314 0614 0914 1214 0315 0615 0915 Source: Bloomberg, TURKSTAT, CBRT. 35 1210 0311 0611 0911 1211 0312 0612 0912 1212 0313 0613 0913 1213 0314 0614 0914 1214 0315 0615 0915 180 Source: TURKSTAT. Prices of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products posted a slight rise in the third quarter due to adjustments in lump sum tax in July. 3.3. Domestic Producer Prices Domestic producer prices increased by 2.20 percent in the third quarter amid rising manufacturing prices and annual inflation rose to 6.92 percent (Table 3.3.1 and Chart 3.3.1). The depreciation of the Turkish lira continued to have inflationary effects across subcategories in this quarter. Table 3.3.1. D-PPI and Subcategories (Quarterly and Annual Percent Change) 2014 D-PPI Mining Manufacturing Manufacturing (excl. petroleum products) Manufacturing (excl. petroleum and basic metal products) 2015 III IV Annual I II III 2.02 -0.82 6.36 2.60 2.81 2.20 0.92 -2.86 1.02 0.33 3.59 -3.41 2.18 2.35 -1.01 -0.06 7.63 8.98 2.64 2.65 3.45 3.12 2.12 2.70 2.37 0.16 9.56 2.70 3.22 2.88 Electricity and Gas 1.01 1.53 -3.56 1.80 -3.33 5.38 Water 0.95 4.54 11.90 13.75 2.21 0.27 Intermediate Goods 1.45 -0.36 6.53 1.97 2.96 3.05 Durable Goods -0.50 0.84 7.55 5.15 3.20 4.07 -0.39 1.29 7.38 2.91 2.98 2.87 4.79 1.18 -0.07 0.49 -0.88 -5.54 13.82 5.97 -7.64 3.24 2.23 2.29 3.31 2.87 1.33 0.60 5.15 -0.49 D-PPI by Main Industry Groups Durable Goods (excl. gold) Non-Durable Goods Capital Goods Energy Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. Manufacturing industry prices rose by 2.12 percent in this quarter, while annual inflation was recorded as 7.34 percent, remaining unchanged from the previous quarter (Table 3.3.1 and Chart 3.3.2). The depreciation of the Turkish lira had an adverse effect on manufacturing prices, which 28 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey was partially balanced by the favorable course of food manufacturing and international oil prices. In fact, import prices receded in USD terms, but soared in TL terms in the third quarter (Chart 3.3.3). Chart 3.3.1. Chart 3.3.2. Domestic Producer and Consumer Prices Manufacturing Prices (Annual Percent Change) (Annual Percent Change) -1 -1 -3 -3 -5 -5 0915 1 0315 1 0914 3 0314 5 3 0913 5 0313 7 0912 7 0312 9 0911 11 9 0311 11 0910 13 0310 13 0909 15 0309 15 0908 Manufacturing (excl. petroleum and basic metal products) Manufacturing CPI Source: TURKSTAT. 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 -5 -5 -10 -10 0907 0308 0908 0309 0909 0310 0910 0311 0911 0312 0912 0313 0913 0314 0914 0315 0915 D-PPI Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. The depreciation of the Turkish lira had an extensive effect across all manufacturing industry subcategories in this period (Table 3.3.1). Prices of durable goods soared by 4.07 percent mainly on account of the increases in prices of gold, furniture and home appliances. The extensive increases were also felt across capital and intermediate goods, the prices of which surged by 5.15 and 3.05 percent, respectively. The mild uptick in prices of non-durable goods, on the other hand, was driven by food manufacturing prices. Price increases in the manufacturing industry excluding petroleum and basic metal products, which entail information on the underlying trend of producer prices, recorded a quarterly decline, yet remained high (Chart 3.3.4). As a result, cost pressures on consumer prices remained brisk in the third quarter amid the cumulative depreciation of the Turkish lira. Chart 3.3.3. Chart 3.3.4. Import Prices in USD and TL* (2010=100) Manufacturing Industry Prices Excluding Petroleum and Basic Metal Products (Seasonally Adjusted, Quarterly Percent Change) 3 90 90 2 2 70 70 1 1 50 50 * Forecast for September. Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. Inflation Report 2015-IV 0915 3 0315 110 0914 110 0314 4 0913 4 0313 130 0912 130 0312 5 0911 5 0311 150 0910 150 0310 6 0909 6 0309 170 Import Prices (TL) 170 0908 Import Prices (USD) 0 0 I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. 29 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey 3.4. Expectations Having deteriorated in the first half of the year, medium-term inflation expectations continued to increase in the third quarter given the cumulative depreciation of the Turkish lira and its repercussions on the core inflation indicators. 12-month-ahead inflation expectations remained on an unfavorable track in October, while 24-month-ahead inflation expectations remained virtually unchanged (Chart 3.4.1). Across maturities, 12-month-ahead inflation expectations were revised upwards on a quarterly basis, while 24-month-ahead expectations recorded a more limited rise (Chart 3.4.2). Accordingly, inflation expectations currently hover above the 5-percent year-end target set for 2015 and 2016. Chart 3.4.1. Chart 3.4.2. 12-Month and 24-Month-Ahead Inflation Expectations* Inflation Expectations** (Annual Percent Change) (Annual Percent Change) 3 2 2 1017 4 0817 4 4 3 0617 5 5 4 1008 0209 0609 1009 0210 0610 1010 0211 0611 1011 0212 0612 1012 0213 0613 1013 0214 0614 1014 0215 0615 1015 5 6 5 0417 6 0217 6 7 6 1216 7 8 7 1016 7 9 8 0816 8 10 0616 8 11 9 0416 9 Inflation Target October 2015 10 0216 9 July 2015 Uncertainty Band 11 1215 12-Month-Ahead 10 1015 24-Month-Ahead 10 * CBRT Survey of Expectations, second survey period results for the pre-2013 period. ** Calculated by linear interpolation of expectations for different time spans using the CBRT Survey of Expectations, second survey period results for the pre-2013 period. Source: CBRT. The dispersion of medium-term inflation expectations indicates deterioration in inflation expectations in the inter-reporting period (Charts 3.4.3 and 3.4.4). The percentage of respondents expecting 12-month-ahead inflation to be within the range of 4.5-7.49 percent decreased in this period, while those expecting 7.5 percent or above recorded a notable increase. The deterioration in the dispersion of 24-month-ahead inflation expectations proved more limited. Chart 3.4.3. Chart 3.4.4. Distribution of 12-Month-Ahead Inflation Expectations* Distribution of 24-Month-Ahead Inflation Expectations* (Percent) 59 60 July 2015 60 54 October 2015 50 50 39 40 40 (Percent) 60 July 2015 60 51 53 October 2015 50 50 40 40 31 30 25 20 14 0 0 0 0 3 30 20 20 10 15 10 0 20 0 3.50-4.49 4.50-5.49 5.50-6.49 6.50-7.49 ≥ 7.5 10 5 5 0 0 < 3.0 30 26 12 6 10 30 0 1 0 0 0 < 3.50 3.50-4.49 4.50-5.49 5.50-6.49 6.50-7.49 ≥ 7.5 * CBRT Survey of Expectations, second survey period results for the pre-2013 period. Horizontal axis denotes inflation rates, while the vertical axis denotes the Kernel forecast. For further details, see CBRT website Data/Tendency Surveys/Survey of Expectations/Methodological Information. Source: CBRT. 30 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey 4. Supply and Demand Developments GDP data for the second quarter of 2015 show that economic activity was stronger than anticipated in the July Inflation Report and national income posted a quarterly and annual growth of 1.3 and 3.8 percent, respectively. The annual GDP growth was mainly driven by industrial value added that exhibited a stronger rise than industrial production; agricultural value added that rose upon favorable weather conditions; and net taxes that have remained robust since the first quarter. The quarterly GDP growth on the other hand, was fueled by the rising industrial value added. On the expenditures side, annual growth was pushed upwards by the significant contribution of final domestic demand via the private sector, while the quarterly growth was induced by private investments. Meanwhile, net exports put a cap on growth in this quarter. Data released for the third quarter of 2015 point out that quarterly GDP growth may decelerate compared to the first half of the year. Industrial production has grown by 0.7 percent in July-August period compared to the previous quarter. On the domestic demand front, elevated domestic and external uncertainties led to an additional tightening in financial conditions and lagged effects of the exchange rate kept prices of core goods on the rise, causing expectations of a mild course in private consumption in the third quarter. On the other hand, the export quantity index excluding gold, which declined slightly on a quarterly basis in the July-August period, is expected to rise in the third quarter. Accordingly, external demand is projected to provide higher support to quarterly growth. In the upcoming period, GDP growth is expected to follow a moderate course, yet downside risks still persist. Due to the weak course of the confidence indices, the support from the confidence channel may remain weak for some time. Amid domestic and external uncertainties, financial conditions have tightened some more lately. Regarding external demand, both geopolitical developments and the vague global monetary policy keep the downside risks brisk. On the other hand, the rebound in European countries is likely to underpin external demand. In case of alleviated uncertainties in domestic and global markets, the probable improvement in financial conditions in addition to a possible rise in confidence will stand out as factors to stimulate growth in 2016. Accordingly, it is expected in 2016 that domestic demand will contribute mildly to growth and the support from external demand will expand amid the ongoing recovery in European economies. Thus, the contribution of aggregate demand conditions to disinflation is expected to continue in 2015 and 2016. It is anticipated that the lagged effects of the improvement in terms of trade coupled with the current macroprudential framework will support the recovery in the current account balance. 4.1. Supply Developments According to the data released by TURKSTAT, economic activity in the second quarter of 2015 proved stronger than projected in the July Inflation Report, and the GDP posted a year-on-year increase by 3.8 percent (Chart 4.1.1). This higher-than-expected increase in the GDP was driven by industrial value added that increased faster than the annual industrial production and net taxes that continued to expand considerably above the industrial value added in this quarter. In seasonal and Inflation Report 2015-IV 31 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey calendar effect adjusted terms, the GDP grew by 1.3 percent quarter-on-quarter. Adding 2.7 percent more compared to the first quarter, the industrial value added was marked as the pioneering contributor to quarterly growth in the third quarter. Other sectors also contributed positively to quarterly growth (Chart 4.1.2). Chart 4.1.1. Chart 4.1.2. Annual GDP Growth and Contributions from the Production Side(Percentage Points) Quarterly GDP Growth and Contributions from the Production Side (Seasonally Adjusted, Percentage Points) Net Taxes 14 14 Net Taxes 5 12 Construction Industry 10 12 8 6 6 4 4 2 2 0 0 -2 -2 Services 3 2012 2013 2014 3 GDP 2 2 1 1 0 0 -1 -1 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 2011 4 Industry 10 GDP 2010 Construction 4 Services 8 5 Agriculture Agriculture 2010 2015 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Source: TURKSTAT. Industrial production adjusted for calendar effects maintained its first-quarter pace from July to August, posting a year-on-year increase by 3.6 percent (Chart 4.1.3). The industrial production data adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects suggest a surge in August following a fall in July and a rise by 0.7 percent above the second quarter average in the July-August period (Chart 4.1.4). Chart 4.1.3. Chart 4.1.4. Industrial Production Index Industrial Production Index (Annual Percent Change) Industrial Production Index (Seasonally Adjusted, Quarterly Percent Change) 20 Industrial Production Index (adjusted for calendar effect) 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 -5 -5 -10 -10 -15 -15 -20 -20 -25 -25 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 23* 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 * As of August. Source: TURKSTAT. 32 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 0.7 1 0 0 -1 -1 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3* 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Source: TURKSTAT. Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey In September 2015, the 3-business day difference compared to September 2014 due to the Eid coupled with the bridge day effect owing to the announcement of extra days off before the religious holiday are expected to plunge the data in annual percentage change terms. Thus, in order for a better evaluation of the economic activity, September data should be interpreted using the annual percentage changes adjusted for calendar effects. Accordingly, production is likely to shrink considerably in September on an annual basis. The data adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects suggest a decline in production of vehicles in September. On the other hand, survey indicators also show that production will follow a modest course on a monthly basis due to the domestic market developments in September. In fact, the BTS suggests a more significant weakening in registered orders for the domestic market than export orders. PMI and the PMI production index indicators posted a month-on-month decline and stood below 50 (Charts 4.1.5 and 4.1.6). The BTS questions on the investment tendency and the overall course of industry, which capture investor confidence, also indicate some deterioration. Hence, industrial production is projected to fall in September and post a modest quarter-on-quarter rise in the third quarter. Moreover, the fact that the domestic and external uncertainties may restrict the contribution of the confidence channel in the second half of the year, besides the volatility in the exchange rate and tightening in financial markets pose a downside risk on domestic demand. In the upcoming period, it is envisaged that growth composition will change gradually in favor of net exports owing also to the rising demand from the EU countries, and increases in industrial production will remain mild for the rest of the year with the support from exports. Chart 4.1.5. Chart 4.1.6. BTS Registered Orders PMI and PMI Production (Above Normal-Below, Seasonally Adjusted, Percent) Domestic Market Exports 0 (Seasonally Adjusted) PMI -4 PMI Production 0 62 62 -4 58 58 -8 54 54 -12 50 50 -16 46 46 -20 42 42 -8 -12 Source: CBRT. 0915 0515 0115 0914 0514 0114 0913 0513 0113 0912 0512 0915 0515 0115 0914 0514 0114 0913 0513 0113 0912 0512 0112 0911 -24 0112 -20 0911 -16 Source: Markit. 4.2. Demand Developments The GDP data for the second quarter of 2015 on the expenditures side indicate that final domestic demand offered an increased contribution to annual growth compared to the previous quarter, whereas net exports continued to pull it down (Chart 4.2.1). The acceleration in final domestic demand in this quarter resulted from both consumption and investment expenditures. In seasonally adjusted terms, quarterly growth was supported by domestic demand but deteriorated by exports. Inflation Report 2015-IV 33 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 4.2.1. Chart 4.2.2. Annual GDP Growth and Contributions from the Demand Side (Percentage Points) Domestic Private Consumption by Sub-Components* (Seasonally Adjusted, 2011Q1=100) Private Consumption Net Exports 20 20 Change in Inventories Final Domestic Demand 15 115 Durable Goods 115 110 Other Consumption 110 15 GDP 10 10 5 105 105 100 100 95 95 90 90 85 85 80 80 75 75 5 0 0 -5 -5 -10 -10 70 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 70 1234123412341234123412341234123412 15 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 15 * Domestic private consumption is categorized under 10 listings by the TURKSTAT. Accordingly, spending on furniture and household appliances, transport and communication as well as leisure and culture, which include items such as automobiles, furniture and television, are classified as durable goods, while the remaining is called other consumption. Source: TURKSTAT. Source: TURKSTAT. Private consumption expenditures recorded a quarter-on-quarter uptick in the second quarter. Expenditures on durable goods declined, while expenditures on other consumption goods followed a flat course in this quarter (Chart 4.2.2). Meanwhile, the relatively sluggish course of expenditures on durable goods in the last two quarters curbed the growth of private consumption. Private machinery and equipment and private construction investments displayed a stronger-than-expected upsurge in the second quarter (Chart 4.2.3). Thus, private investments registered the highest quarterly growth in this quarter since 2011. On the public sector front, public consumption remained on an uptrend in the second quarter, and public investments also rose due to machinery and equipment investments. Quarterly growth in total government spending remained unchanged from the previous quarter (Chart 4.2.4). Chart 4.2.3. Chart 4.2.4. Private Investments and the GDP Private and Public Sector Demand (Seasonally Adjusted, 2011Q1=100) GDP (Seasonally Adjusted, 2011Q1=100) Private Machinery and Equipment 120 Private Sector Public Sector 120 140 140 110 110 130 130 100 100 120 120 90 90 110 110 100 100 90 90 80 80 70 70 Private Construction 80 80 70 70 60 60 50 50 1234123412341234123412341234123412 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 15 60 60 1234123412341234123412341234123412 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 15 Source: TURKSTAT. 34 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 4.2.5. Chart 4.2.6. Production and Imports of Consumption Goods Domestic Sales of Automobiles and Light Commercial Vehicles (Seasonally Adjusted, 2010=100) (Seasonally Adjusted, Thousand) Production Automobiles Imports (right axis) 130 125 125 115 120 Light Commercial Vehicles (right axis) 70 18 16 60 105 115 110 95 105 85 100 75 95 14 50 12 40 10 8 30 65 90 55 85 80 45 6 20 10 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 23* 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 4 2 12341234123412341234123412341234123 15 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 * As of August. Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. 15 Source: AMA, CBRT. In the first half of 2015, domestic demand provided higher support to growth than external demand. Hence, growth was mainly driven by domestic demand. The third-quarter data signal a slowdown in domestic demand and a rebound in exports, which implies a probable change in growth composition in favor of net exports. In fact, production of consumption goods, which is one of the private demand indicators, decreased from July to August, while their imports edged up (Chart 4.2.5). Sales of automobiles declined in the third quarter (Chart 4.2.6). Consumer confidence remained on a downtrend. In the July-August period, production of machinery and equipment increased, whereas their imports declined compared to the previous quarter (Chart 4.2.7). As for construction indicators, production of mineral products increased, while the imports thereof decreased (Chart 4.2.8). Despite a slight increase in the third quarter, investor confidence remained low. All in all, current indicators suggest a moderate contribution by domestic demand to growth in the third quarter. Chart 4.2.7. Chart 4.2.8. Production and Imports of Machinery and Equipment Production and Imports of Mineral Products (Seasonally Adjusted, 2010=100) (Seasonally Adjusted, 2010=100) Production Imports Production Imports (right axis) 160 160 120 140 150 150 115 130 140 140 110 120 130 130 105 110 120 120 110 110 100 100 100 100 95 90 90 90 90 80 80 80 85 70 70 70 60 60 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 23* 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 15 80 60 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 23* 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 15 * As of August. Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. Amid the downturn in global economy and geopolitical developments, exports of goods and services declined in the second quarter on a quarterly basis. Imports of goods and services edged Inflation Report 2015-IV 35 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey down in this period (Chart 4.2.9). On the other hand, the analysis of quantity indices excluding gold, which give a better understanding of the underlying trend of external trade, points to an increase in exports, but a relatively flat course in imports in the second quarter (Chart 4.2.10). In August, export and import quantity indices excluding gold recorded a decline compared to the previous quarter. However, the fall in the export quantity index excluding gold remained limited. In the upcoming period, the adverse effects of geopolitical developments notwithstanding, exports are expected to improve on the back of rising demand from the EU countries. Given this and the fact that import demand may decelerate depending on the course of domestic demand, net exports may strengthen the improvement in the current account balance in the upcoming period. Chart 4.2.9. Chart 4.2.10. Exports, Imports and the GDP Export and Import Quantity Indices (Seasonally Adjusted, 2011Q1=100) GDP Exports 130 Imports (right axis) 125 (Excluding Gold, Seasonally Adjusted, 2011Q1=100) Exports Import 130 130 120 120 120 110 110 110 105 100 100 100 100 90 90 90 80 80 80 70 70 70 120 115 130 110 95 90 85 80 75 60 60 1234123412341234123412341234123412 Source: TURKSTAT. 60 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 23* 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 15 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 15 * As of August. Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. In sum, economic activity posted a brisk growth in the second quarter of 2015 thanks to the stronger-than-expected and notable growth in private investments. In the first half of 2015, domestic demand added more to growth than external demand. However, the second half is expected to witness a change in growth composition in favor of net exports. On the other hand, vagueness in global markets coupled with the languishing course of confidence indices pose a downside risk on growth. Against this background, demand conditions are projected to support the improvement in the current account balance and pull inflation down. Outlook for 2016 Recently, consumer and investor confidence have subsided, financial conditions have tightened and global capital flows have grown more volatile and sluggish. Moreover, ambiguity regarding the Fed’s policy rate hike persisted, the Chinese economy lost pace and geopolitical developments continued to affect our trading partners adversely. All these are expected to have an impact on growth and demand composition through various channels in 2016. The extent to which domestic demand will be influenced by these developments will depend on the future course of domestic and external uncertainties that had an effect on economic activity throughout 2015. On the other hand, signals of recovery in the European economies and progress towards the solution of Greek debt problems stand out as favorable developments. 36 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey The economic growth is projected to increase slightly in 2016 under the assumption that exports are supported by the European recovery and the real exchange rate depreciation through the income and the price channel, respectively, and that domestic uncertainties lessen and geopolitical developments do not pose an additional negative effect via the confidence and trade channel. The demand outlook for 2016 suggests a slight weakening in domestic demand and an uptick in exports. Against this background, downside risks to external demand are more apparent, while risks on domestic demand are more balanced. Chart 4.2.11. Chart 4.2.12. GDP and Imports in the Euro Area GDP and Imports in MENA (Annual Percent Change) (Annual Percent Change) GDP Imports GDP 12 12 9 9 Imports 24 24 21 21 18 18 6 6 15 15 3 3 12 12 0 0 9 9 6 6 -3 -3 3 3 -6 -6 0 0 -3 -3 -6 -6 2017* 2013 2015* 2011 2009 2007 2005 2003 2001 1999 1997 1995 1993 1991 2017* 2013 2015* 2011 2009 2007 -12 2005 -12 2003 -15 2001 -9 -15 1999 -9 1997 -12 1995 -12 1993 -9 1991 -9 * Forecast. Source: WEO. External demand is projected to improve, yet downside risks still persist. Developments pertaining to economic activity in advanced economies play an important role in the Turkish export dynamics. Accordingly, the rebound in the European economies is envisaged to support exports in 2016 (Chart 4.2.11). Despite the expected recovery in the MENA countries, geopolitical developments indicate apparent downside risks to our exports to this region (Chart 4.2.12). Vagueness regarding exports to Russia and Iraq is another factor feeding into downside risks. The impact of the Fed’s decisions and the effect of the deceleration in the Chinese economy on the global economy accompanied by the blurred destiny of the rebound in Europe also mark downside risks to external demand. Global growth forecasts signal milder growth in 2016 and also over the medium term (Chart 4.2.13). Accordingly, the likelihood of global potential growth to narrow slightly may stand out as a constraint against domestic economic growth. Meanwhile, global goods trade, which record higher growth rates than global GDP growth, has recently posted a relative deceleration. More specifically, global goods imports, which surged by 1.6 times of growth on average in the 2002-2007 period, lagged below growth by 80 percent on average from 2012 to 2014. This suggests that the competition in exports may have risen higher than implied by the weakening in global growth. Due to the structural transformation experienced in the 2000s as well as the increased integration into the global economy, the GDP growth in Turkey has been more closely linked to global growth (Chart 4.2.14). Yet, in this environment of increasing global competition, the enforcement of the structural reforms in the MTP is still more important to the achievement of a sustainable and balanced growth even if external demand growth and real exchange rate developments seem favorable. Inflation Report 2015-IV 37 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 4.2.13. Chart 4.2.14. Global GDP and Imports GDP Growth (Annual Percent Change (Annual Percent Change -6 0 2017* -12 1993 -12 2013 1 2015* -3 2011 2 2009 0 2007 3 2005 3 2003 4 2001 6 1999 5 1997 9 1991 -9 2017* -9 2013 -6 2015* -3 -6 2011 -3 2009 0 2007 0 2005 3 2003 6 3 2001 6 1999 9 1997 9 1995 12 1993 15 12 1991 15 1995 12 Turkey Global (right axis) Average Global GDP Growth (2000-2007, right axis) 6 GDP Imports Average Global Imports Growth (2000-2007) * Forecast. Source: WEO. Risks regarding domestic demand are balanced. Thanks to macroprudential measures implemented after 2010, the national income displayed a balanced and relatively less volatile growth, while final domestic demand followed a moderate course after a gradual recovery (Chart 4.2.15). Domestic demand is expected to maintain its mild course in 2016 as well. Tightening in financial conditions driven by domestic and external developments poses a downside risk on domestic demand. However, in the case that domestic uncertainties alleviate, this tightening is expected to neither last nor cause a notable slowdown in domestic demand. On the other hand, should domestic uncertainties wane, the possible rise in consumer and investor confidence may pose upside risks to domestic demand. In addition, the strong employment performance after the global crisis is expected to support domestic demand via the income channel and the projected fall in the current account deficit accompanied by the robust public finances create room for policy maneuvering, which may also support domestic demand. Chart 4.2.15. Chart 4.2.16. GDP and Final Domestic Demand Growth Shares in National Income (8-Quarter Moving Average) (Current Prices, Percent) 3.5 3.5 3.0 3.0 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.0 -0.5 -0.5 -1.0 -1.0 -1.5 -1.5 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 3 12 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 Source: TURKSTAT. Private Demand Exports (right axis) Imports (right axis) 92 34 32 89 30 28 86 26 24 83 22 20 80 18 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015* GDP Final Domestic Demand * Annualized. Source: TURKSTAT. The macroprudential measures adopted after 2010 caused domestic demand to grow slower than the GDP. Accordingly, the share of the private sector within the GDP contracted, while that of 38 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey imports remained unchanged (Chart 4.2.16). Conversely, the share of exports increased in this period. It is anticipated that domestic demand will follow a mild course; external demand will exhibit a rebound; and hence, the growth composition will be balanced further in 2016. Thus, the current macroprudential framework will continue to support the improvement in the current account balance (Chart 4.2.17). Against this background, aggregate demand conditions are expected to contribute to disinflation in 2016 (Chart 4.2.18). Chart 4.2.17. Chart 4.2.18. Current Account Balance Output Gap (12-Month Cumulative, Billion USD) (Percent) 30 Current Account Balance Current Account Balance (excl. gold) Current Account Balance (excl. energy and gold) 30 1.0 1.0 10 10 0.5 0.5 -10 -10 0.0 0.0 -30 -30 -0.5 -0.5 -1.0 -1.0 -50 -50 -1.5 -1.5 -70 -70 -90 -90 -2.0 1 2 0815 0215 0814 0214 0813 0213 0812 0212 0811 0211 0810 0210 0809 -2.0 3 4 1 2 2015 Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. 3 4 2016 Source: CBRT. 4.3. Labor Market Unemployment rates have trended upwards in 2015 due to mild economic growth. Non-farm unemployment rate, which receded in the first quarter of 2015, increased in the second and third quarters (Chart 4.3.1). Non-farm employment surged in the first quarter of 2015, yet lost momentum in the pursuing period. On the other hand, the labor participation rate, which paused in the first two quarters, has re-settled on an increasing trend in April (Chart 4.3.2). Combined with the modest outlook in employment, this caused unemployment rates to soar. Chart 4.3.1. Chart 4.3.2. Unemployment Rates Non-Farm Employment and Non-Farm Labor Force (Seasonally Adjusted, Percent) Labor Force Participation Rate (right axis) Unemployment Rate Non-Farm Unemployment Rate 18 (Seasonally Adjusted, Percent) Non-Farm Employment/Population 15+ Non-Farm Labor Force/Population 15+ (right axis) 52 38 42 51 37 41 50 36 40 49 35 39 34 38 33 37 32 36 31 35 30 34 16 14 48 12 47 10 46 45 8 2008 2009 2010 * As of July. Source: TURKSTAT. Inflation Report 2015-IV 2011 2012 2013 2014 0715 0115 0714 0114 0713 0113 0712 0112 0711 0111 0710 0110 0709 43 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3* 0109 6 0708 44 2015 Source: TURKSTAT. 39 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey The analysis of non-farm employment by sectors indicates that the services sector continued to be the main driver of employment growth (Chart 4.3.3). Public administration, education, health and administrative services offered further contribution to services employment. On the other hand, moderate economic activity and the stagnant tourism sector restrict services employment. In general, industrial employment posted a limited increase in 2014 and the first half of 2015 amid the deceleration in production. Fluctuating industrial employment recorded a decline in June and July (Chart 4.3.4). Leading indicators do not signal an additional deterioration in industrial employment in the third quarter. Quarterly averages reveal a mild increase in industrial production. Having crept up in September, PMI employment has still remained close to the neutral mark in the last 6 months, indicating that the ratio of firms lowering employment is equal to those increasing employment. Chart 4.3.3. Chart 4.3.4. Contributions to Monthly Changes in Non-Farm Employment Industrial Production, Industrial Employment and PMI Employment (Seasonally Adjusted, Percentage Points) (Seasonally Adjusted) Services Construction Industry Non-Farm Employment 1.6 1.6 1.2 1.2 Industrial Production (2010=100, 3-month moving average) Industrial Employment PMI Employment (right axis) 125 70 120 65 115 0.8 0.8 0.4 0.4 60 110 55 105 50 100 Source: TURKSTAT. 45 95 40 90 0915 0315 0914 0314 0913 0313 0912 0312 0911 0311 0910 30 0310 80 0909 35 0309 85 0908 0715 0515 0315 0115 1114 0914 0714 0514 0314 0114 -0.8 1113 -0.8 0913 -0.4 0713 -0.4 0513 0.0 0313 0.0 Source: TURKSTAT, Markit. After receding in the first half of the year, construction employment posted an uptick in July (Chart 4.3.5). Following the flat course in April, the August recovery in production of non-metallic minerals, a key indicator for construction employment, is consistent with the rise in construction employment. Indicators related to industrial employment do not point to a decline. On the other hand, unemployment expectations of households are worsening. The CBRT Consumer Confidence Index and the expectation of the number of unemployed, one of the sub-items of the index, plunged in the third quarter, suggesting that a recovery in unemployment is yet to appear (Chart 4.3.6). 40 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 4.3.5. Chart 4.3.6. Construction Employment and Production of NonMetallic Mineral Products Consumer Confidence, Expectation of Number of Unemployed and Non-Farm Unemployment Rate* (Seasonally Adjusted, 2010=100) CBRT Consumer Confidence Index Expectation of Number of Unemployed Non-Farm Unemployment Rate (seasonally adjusted, right axis) Construction Employment Non-Metallic Mineral Products (3-month moving average) 150 150 140 140 130 130 100 19 18 90 17 16 80 120 120 110 110 70 100 100 60 90 90 80 80 15 14 13 11 10 50 9 3412341234123412341234123412341234 0815 0215 0814 0214 0813 0213 0812 0212 0811 0211 0810 0210 0809 0209 0808 0208 12 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 * Declining expectation of number of unemployed denotes worsening expectations. Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. Source: TURKSTAT. Wage developments reveal that hourly wages, which surged in the first quarter of 2015, lost some pace in the second quarter (Chart 4.3.7). Also due to inflation developments, wages remained unchanged in real terms in this period. Hourly wages continued to move in tandem with the minimum wage. A rise in hourly wages above expected inflation and productivity gains is a factor that pushes firm costs up. Accordingly, productivity gains in the second quarter balanced the rise in hourly wages in the first half of the year. In the second quarter of 2015, hourly wages increased, whereas unit labor costs receded due to the productivity gains amid the rise in production. The annual growth of unit labor costs in industrial and services sectors stood around 10 percent. Chart 4.3.7. Chart 4.3.8. Non-Farm Hourly Labor Cost* Unit Labor Cost* (Seasonally Adjusted, 2010=100) (Annual Percent Change) Labor Earnings (annual percent change, right axis) Industry Services Real Earnings 118 Real Minimum Wage 114 14 30 30 12 25 25 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 110 10 106 8 102 6 98 4 0 0 94 2 -5 -5 0 -10 90 123412341234123412341234123412 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 * Real earnings and real minimum wage are deflated by CPI. Source: TURKSTAT, Ministry of Labor and Social Security, CBRT. -10 123412341234123412341234123412341 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 20142015 * In the services sector, unit labor cost is measured as the ratio of total wage payments to turnover deflated by services prices. In the industrial sector, total wage payments are divided by output. Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. In sum, amid the relatively low rate of increase in non-farm employment, the unemployment rate posted a quarter-on-quarter surge during June and July. The services sector, the leading driver of non-farm employment, contributed further to the rise in employment in this period. Industrial Inflation Report 2015-IV 41 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey employment receded, while construction employment rose in July, partially compensating for the losses in the first half of the year. Leading indicators signal probable limited increases in non-farm employment for the upcoming period. Given both the mild course of employment and the rise in the non-farm labor force, unemployment rates are not expected to decline the rest of the year. Domestic and external uncertainties remain as downside risk factors against economic activity and the labor market. 42 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Box 4.1 The Determinants of Consumer Confidence Index in Turkey literature offers strong evidence that the consumer confidence index can be used to estimate consumption expenditures. Studies along this line have become more popular after Katona (1968) who showed that willingness to buy is at least as important as purchasing power on consumption decisions. Many empirical studies such as Carroll et al. (1994) for the US, Nahuis and Jansen (2004) for some European countries, Delorme et al. (2001) for the UK, and Belessiotis (1996) for France showed that consumer confidence is a leading indicator for household consumption. A limited number of studies on Turkey find a similar result that consumer confidence plays a crucial role in estimating household consumption (Arısoy, 2012; Karasoy and Yüncüler, 2015). The fact that consumer confidence correlates with consumption expenditures necessitates a better understanding of the factors determining its dynamics. The literature often classifies these factors into two groups: macroeconomic variables (such as industrial production, inflation and unemployment rate) and financial variables (such as exchange rate, interest rates and stock market index). By adopting the methodology in Gürgür and Kılınç (2015), this box identifies the short-run and long-run determinants of consumer confidence in Turkey. The study utilizes the consumer confidence index constructed by CBRT and TURKSTAT. The dataset covers observations between January 2004 and April 2015. The explanatory variables are industrial production index, unemployment rate, consumer price index, TL/USD exchange rate and consumer loan rate. Table 1 displays the description of variables along with their sources. Table 1. Data Description Variable Abbreviation Source Range CCI TURKSTAT 2004:01-2015:04 TL/USD Exchange rate EXCH CBRT 2004:01-2015:04 Consumer Loan Rate INT CBRT 2004:01-2015:04 Unemployment Rate UNEMP TURKSTAT 2005:01-2015:03 Seasonally adjusted IPI TURKSTAT 2005:01-2015:03 Seasonally adjusted, log CPI TURKSTAT 2004:01-2015:04 Seasonally adjusted, log Consumer Confidence Index Industrial Production Index Consumer Price Index Notes Average of the first two weeks of each month, log Unit root tests show that the set of variables is not balanced; i.e. the series have different orders of integration. This result, coupled with the relatively low number of observations, necessitates the use of Pesaran’s bounds test technique for analyzing the long-run relationship.1 The bounds test uses the ARDL approach to investigate the presence of cointegration through an unrestricted error correction model. Accordingly, the existence of cointegration is tested using the following equation: p−1 ΔCCIt = α0 + (βCCIt−1 + θ′ X t−1 ) + ∑ β1i ΔCCIt−i + ∑ γ′ ΔXt−i + εt i=1 1 p−1 (1) i=0 For further details, see Gürgür and Kılınç (2015). Inflation Report 2015-IV 43 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey where CCIt is the consumer confidence index, Xt is the vector of explanatory variables, Δ is the first- difference operator and p is the number of lags. The F-test based on the significance of coefficients for the lagged values points to the presence of a cointegration among variables. Therefore, an ARDL model is formed to estimate the long-run relationship between the variables. The model controls for autocorrelation and the simultaneity between variables by including the first differences and lagged values of the explanatory variables. The long-run relationship is formulated as below: p CCIt = α0 + θ′ X t + ∑ β1i CCIt−i + ∑ γ′ ΔXt−i + εt i=1 The q (2) i=0 above model is estimated following Pesaran et al. (2001) and results are presented in Table 2. Accordingly, all variables except industrial production index are found to be statistically significant. A rise of 1 percent in the exchange rate reduces the consumer confidence by 0.28 points in the long term, while an equal increase in the CPI lowers confidence by 0.61 points. Similarly, a 1-percent increase in consumer loan rates and the unemployment rate decreases the confidence index by 1.74 and 3.51 points, respectively. Table 2. ARDL and Long-Run Model Estimation Results Variable EXCH INT UNEMP IPI CPI Parameter -0.28 -1.74 -3.51 0.09 -0.61 Standard Deviation 0.06 0.31 0.75 0.19 0.12 t-statistics -4.69*** -5.56*** -4.70*** 0.47 -5.20*** *, **, and *** denote significance at 10 percent, 5 percent and 1 percent, respectively. All estimations are conducted by Least Squares Estimator. As a final step, the short-run determinants of consumer confidence are estimated using an error correction model. The estimation results presented in Table 3 show that any disequilibrium between consumer confidence and its correlates is restored quite rapidly as evidenced by the relatively high parameter estimate for Δect, which denotes the first-differenced error correction term. In fact, the half-life of the shocks is as low as 2 months. Moreover, increases in the exchange rate, interest rate, unemployment rate and the CPI lead to an immediate effect on consumer confidence. Table 3. Short-Run Parameter Estimations Variable Δect ΔCCI(-1) ΔCCI(-2) ΔCCI(-3) ΔCCI(-4) ΔCCI(-5) ΔCCI(-6) ΔEXCH ΔEXCH(-1) ΔEXCH(-2) ΔEXCH(-3) ΔEXCH(-4) ΔEXCH(-5) ΔEXCH(-6) ΔINT ΔUNEMP ΔUNEMP(-1) ΔUNEMP(-2) ΔIPI ΔCPI Parameter -0.35 0.09 0.04 0.27 0.15 0.27 0.31 -0.42 -0.08 -0.06 0.14 0.11 0.21 0.15 -0.83 -1.55 2.16 2.85 0.01 -0.87 Standardized Parameters -0.67 0.9 0.04 0.27 0.15 0.27 0.31 -0.54 -0.10 -0.07 0.18 0.15 0.28 0.19 -0.34 -0.15 0.22 0.29 0.00 -0.18 t-statistics -7.56*** 1.29 0.50 3.61*** 1.61 2.92*** 3.35*** -7.40*** -1.81* -0.90 2.30** 1.82* 4.08*** 2.93*** -5.14*** -2.71*** 3.78*** 3.49*** 0.04 -3.82*** *, **, and *** denote significance at 10 percent, 5 percent and 1 percent, respectively. All estimations are conducted by Least Squares Estimator. Standardized parameters are obtained by multiplying parameter estimates by the ratio of their standard deviations to the standard deviation of the dependent variable. 44 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey A 1-percent increase in the exchange rate and CPI reduces the confidence index in the short run by 0.42 and 0.87 points, respectively. A similar increase in the consumer loan rates and unemployment rate lowers the confidence index by 0.83 and 1.55 points, respectively. The negative effect of the exchange rate on consumer confidence is counterbalanced partially in the subsequent periods, which points to a complex and non-monotonic relationship between the exchange rate and the consumer confidence index. While depreciation of the Turkish lira lowers consumer confidence due to loss of purchasing power and worsening expectations, it also boosts consumer confidence via the wealth effect owing to the FX-denominated deposits held by consumers. The unemployment rate also has an ambiguous effect on the confidence index. However, this may be due to the measurement of the unemployment rate series in 3-month moving average terms. In sum, consumer prices, the unemployment rate, consumer loan rates and the exchange rate are found to have both short-term and long-term effects on the consumer confidence index, whereas industrial production index does not have any impact. In the short run, the exchange rate and consumer prices are more effective on the consumer confidence index than the other variables. This shows that, besides providing other benefits, maintaining price stability plays a great role in raising consumer confidence as well. REFERENCES Arısoy, İ., 2012, Türkiye Ekonomisindeki İktisadi Güven Endeksleri ve Seçilmiş Makro Değişkenler Arasındaki İlişkilerin VAR Analizi (in Turkish), Maliye Dergisi, 162(January-June): 304-315. Belessiotis, T., 1996, Consumer Confidence and Consumer Spending in France, European Commission Economics Papers No. 116. Carroll, C.D., J.C. Fuhrer and W. Wilcox, 1994, Does Consumer Confidence Forecast Household Expenditure? A Sentiment Horse Race, American Economic Review, 84(5): 1397-1408. Delorme, C.D., D.R. Kamerschen and L.F. Voeks, 2001, Consumer Confidence as a Predictor of Consumption Spending: Evidence for the United States and the Euro Area, Applied Economics, 33(7): 863-869. Gürgür, T. and Z. Kılınç, 2015, What Drives the Consumer Confidence in Turkey?, CBT Research Notes in Economics No. 15/17. Karasoy, H.G. and Ç. Yüncüler, 2015, The Explanatory Power and the Forecast Performance of Consumer Confidence Indices for Private Consumption Growth in Turkey, CBRT Working Paper No. 15/19. Katona, G., 1968, Consumer Behavior: Theory and Findings on Expectations and Aspirations, American Economic Review, 58(2): 19-30. Nahuis, N.J. and W.J. Jansen, 2004, Which Survey Indicators are Useful for Monitoring Consumption? Evidence from European Countries, Journal of Forecasting, 23(2): 89-98. Pesaran, M.H., Y. Shin and R.J. Smith, 2001, Bounds Testing Approaches to the Analysis of Level Relationships, Journal of Applied Econometrics, 16(3): 289-326. Inflation Report 2015-IV 45 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Box Estimating Income and Price Elasticity of Turkish Exports with Heterogeneous Panel Time 4.2 Series Methods Estimation of price and income elasticity of exports is crucial due to its implications on growth, international competitiveness, balance of payments and industrial policies. Price elasticity shows the relative competitive power of a country’s production, while income elasticity captures the effects of other factors like export composition, distance and market strategy (Baiardi et al., 2014). Sustainable growth in exports is of great importance regarding the balancing process and stable growth. Moreover, accurate measurement of price and income elasticity of exports produces an important input for designing a sustainable export policy. This study estimates long-term income and price elasticity of Turkish exports for country groups using panel time series techniques. Country groups are determined on the basis of geographical region (EU27, Other Europe, Asia, MENA) and the level of economic development (developed and developing countries). The study uses bilateral trade data on a country basis by also taking into account the cross-sectional dependence between countries. There are various studies on income and price elasticity of Turkish exports, but most of them utilize aggregate data on exports. Using aggregate data, on the other hand, may cause missing of important movements in micro data due to aggregation bias (Bahmani-Oskooee and Goswami, 2004; Marquez, 2005). In fact, Halıcıoğlu (2007) and Kaplan and Kalyoncu (2011) show evidence of aggregation bias for the Turkish economy. Aggregation bias is attributed to the heterogeneous structure of both exported goods and the export destination. Various studies exist for the Turkish economy, which consider the heterogeneity on a product basis, while only a few studies are present that allow heterogeneity across country groups. Halıcıoğlu (2007), Uz (2010) and Berument et al. (2014) estimate export elasticity on a country basis, without making an inference on country groups and considering the intercountry cross-sectional dependence. On the other hand, Çulha and Kalafatcılar (2014) estimate elasticity by country groups, yet employ aggregate data on a regional basis rather than using bilateral trade data on a country basis. This empirical analysis aims to fill this gap in the literature by using data on a country basis and taking cross-sectional dependence between countries into consideration. The analysis covers the 2005-2013 period and utilizes quarterly data of 67 countries in seasonally adjusted terms, which account for more than 80 percent of Turkish exports. In order to measure the long-term price and income elasticity coefficient of Turkish exports, a standard export demand function is estimated following Goldstein and Khan (1985), which includes external demand and relative prices as follows: Exportsi,t = c + β1 ∗ GDPi,t + β2 ∗ RER i,t + εi,t where Exportsi,t denote real exports from Turkey (excluding gold) to country i; GDPi,t is real national income of country i in time t; RER i,t is the bilateral real exchange rate between country i and Turkey. Real exports and real exchange rate are based on the authors’ calculations.2 2 For further details, see Bozok et al. (2015). 46 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey The above equation is estimated using 3 alternative panel time series methods: Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS), Mean Group (MG) and Common Correlated Effects Mean Group (CCEMG). The DOLS method assumes that parameters are homogeneous for all countries; MG and CCEMG allow for heterogeneous parameters among countries, while CCEMG also takes cross-sectional dependence between countries into account. DOLS is implemented in order to assess to what extent the heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence affect coefficient estimations. To our knowledge, this constitutes the first formal attempt, which uses MG and CCEMG techniques in estimating long-run price and income elasticity of Turkish exports. Panel data methods used in this study necessitate variables to be I(1), i.e. integrated of order 1 and cointegrated. Unit root tests indicate that country-specific data on exports, real exchange rate and external income are I(1).3 This permits us to apply cointegration tests, the results of which indicate the presence of a stable long-term relationship among these variables. 4 Table 1. Estimation Results for Developed and Developing Countries Income Elasticity Price Elasticity DOLS MG CCEMG DOLS MG CCEMG Overall 2.46*** 2.43*** 2.17*** -0,21** -0,55** -0,72*** Developed 3.37*** 2.57*** 2.56** -0,11 -0,39** -0,29 Developing 2.16*** 2.25*** 1.82*** -0,31* -0,82 -1,26*** *, **, and *** denote significance at 10 percent, 5 percent and 1 percent, respectively. Dummy variables were included to capture the effects of the global crisis of 2008 and the European debt crisis of 2011 in MG estimation. All dummy variables are significant at 5 percent. Table 1 presents the estimation results for the overall sample as well as for the developed and developing countries. Income and price elasticity coefficients vary among country groups depending on the selected method of estimation. For example, price elasticity of exports for the developing countries is found to be 0.31 by the DOLS method assuming a homogenous coefficient, while the same elasticity is -0.82 by the MG method assuming heterogeneity in coefficients. On the other hand, the CCEMG method, which takes into account the cross-sectional dependence across countries, shows price elasticity to be -1.26. These findings indicate how results differ when heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence across countries are not taken into account. According to the CCEMG results, income and price elasticity of exports for the overall sample are 2.17 and -0.72, respectively. The income elasticity of exports for developed countries, which is found to be 2.56, is higher than that for developing countries, which equals 1.82; while the price elasticity of exports for developing countries, which is estimated as -1.26, is higher than that for developed countries, which is -0.29. On the other hand, price elasticity of exports for developed countries is found to be statistically insignificant. Before conducting unit root tests, cross-sectional dependence tests are conducted as the unit root test results may be affected by heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence. The findings indicate the presence of cross-sectional dependence for all variables. The unit root tests developed by Pesaran (2007) that take cross-sectional dependence into account show that series are not stationary and are integrated of order 1. 4 For further details, see Westerlund (2007). 3 Inflation Report 2015-IV 47 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Table 2. Estimation Results by Geographical Regions EU27 Other Europe Asia MENA Income Elasticity DOLS MG 2.64*** 2.55*** 2.74*** 3.35*** 1.47*** 2.14*** 1.91*** 1.44** Price Elasticity DOLS 0.16 -1.30*** -0.12 -0.49** MG -0.27** 0.01 -0.12 -1.56* *, **, and *** denote significance at 10 percent, 5 percent and 1 percent, respectively. Dummy variables were included to capture the effects of the global crisis of 2008 and the European debt crisis of 2011. All dummy variables are significant at 5 percent. Table 2 displays income and price elasticity of exports by geographical regions. Due to low number of cross sections, which prevents the use of the CCMEG method, the table only reports results pertaining to the DOLS and MG methods. The estimation results indicate that price and income elasticity coefficients for Turkish exports vary considerably across geographical regions. MG results suggest statistically significant income elasticity coefficients in all country groups, while the coefficients are higher for EU27 and other European countries. On the other hand, price elasticity coefficients are statistically significant for only EU27 and MENA countries. Income elasticities are higher than price elasticities in all country groups except MENA countries. In other words, Turkish exports are quite sensitive to the income of the destination countries, but less sensitive to relative price changes. This reveals that income of exporting countries is much more influential on exports than exchange rate developments. On the other hand, exports to MENA countries are more sensitive to relative prices. The differences in coefficient estimates among country groups are attributed to the dissimilarities in the composition of exports to these countries. Besides, varying degrees of vertical integration with each country group as well as distance, cultural proximity and consumer preferences may also play a role in these differences. In sum, the empirical findings point out that region-specific measures should be taken into consideration for designing trade policies. In addition, the sustainability of exports growth is much more dependent on the income of the trading partners rather than the depreciation of the real exchange rate. REFERENCES Baiardi, D., C. Bianchi and E. Lorenzini, 2014, The Price and Income Elasticities of the Top Clothing Exporters: Evidence From a Panel Data Analysis, DEM Working Paper Series No. 074. Bahmani-Oskooee, M. and G.G. Goswami, 2004, Exchange Rate Sensitivity of Japan’s Bilateral Trade Flows, Japan and the World Economy, 16(1): 1-15. Berument, M.H., N.N. Dinçer and Z. Mustafaoğlu, 2014, External Income Shocks and Turkish Exports: A Sectoral Analysis, Economic Modelling, 37(2014): 476–484. Bozok İ., B.D. Şen and Ç. Yüncüler, 2015, Estimating Income and Price Elasticity of Turkish Exports with Heterogeneous Panel Time-Series Methods, CBRT Working Paper No. 15/26. Çulha, O.Y. and K. Kalafatcılar, 2014, Türkiye’de İhracatın Gelir ve Fiyat Esnekliklerine Bir Bakış: Bölgesel Farklılıkların Önemi (in Turkish), CBT Research Notes in Economics No. 14/05. 48 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Goldstein, M. and M.S. Khan, 1985, Income and Price Effects in Foreign Trade, Handbook of International Economics, Vol. II, Chapter 20. Halıcıoğlu, F., 2007, The Bilateral J-curve: Turkey versus Her 13 Trading Partners, MPRA Paper No. 3564. Kaplan, M. and H. Kalyoncu, 2011, Testing Aggregation Bias for the Impact of Devaluation on the Trade Balance: An Application to Turkey, Pennsylvania Economic Review, 18(2): 20-34. Marquez, J., 2005, The Aggregate of Elasticities or The Elasticity of Aggregates: U.S Trade in Services, International Finance Discussion Papers No. 836. Pesaran, M.H., 2007. A Simple Panel Unit Root Test in the Presence of Cross-Section Dependence, Journal of Applied Econometrics, 22(2): 265-312. Uz, İ., 2010, Determinants of Current Account: The Relation between Internal and External Balances in Turkey, Applied Econometrics and International Development, 10(2): 115-126. Westerlund, J., 2007, Testing for Error Correction in Panel Data, Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics, 69(6): 709-74. Inflation Report 2015-IV 49 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Box 4.3 Use of Leading Indicators in Forecasting Unemployment Rates The non-farm unemployment rate is an indicator that entails reliable information about the overall tendency of economic activity. Yet, non-farm unemployment data, which is published within the Household Labor Force Survey, is released with a three-month lag. This increases the importance of finding an accurate leading indicator for timely assessment and forecasting of the labor market developments. Following Gürcihan et al. (2013), this box identifies relevant variables for computing a composite index, which can be used as a leading indicator for the non-farm unemployment rate in Turkey. In constructing the composite index, the aggregate economic activity, labor market conditions, expectations over future economic activity, credit conditions and variables indicating global economic trends are taken into account. The variables are selected based on their economic justification, release frequency (higher frequency), availability (longer duration) and the need for revision (minimal major backward revision). The series are adjusted for seasonal effects and short-term fluctuations, while extreme values are excluded. Furthermore, the series are normalized and de-trended from their long-run trend using the Hodrick-Prescott filter. Gürcihan et al. (2013) find that the out-of-sample forecast criterion out-performs other methods in variable selection for constructing a composite index to forecast the unemployment rate. Accordingly, this box uses the out-of-sample forecast performance of the series in measuring their information value. Forecast performance of the series is evaluated by comparing the root-mean-squared-error (RMSE) of the model including the series with that of the baseline model, which is only comprised of the lagged unemployment term. In other words, in the baseline model, the unemployment rate is explained solely by its statistically significant lagged values. In the alternative model, the unemployment rate is explained by its lagged values and also by the candidate series, the forecast performance of which is investigated. Obviously, the number of lags to be included in the model is determined by the statistical significance. Employing the above method, the unemployment rate for the next month is estimated using each candidate series for all months in the subsequent 12-month period starting from August 2014. Furthermore, the RMSE for each alternative is computed. Accordingly, Table 1 presents the selected series, which return a lower RMSE value compared to the baseline model. Table 1. Selected Variables and their Relative RMSE Values Relative RMSE Relative RMSE Kariyer.net Job Posts/Non-Farm Labor Force 0.870 FX Commercial Loans/Nominal GDP Consumer Confidence Index 0.917 BTS 3-Month-Ahead Employment Expectations 0.981 Domestic VAT/Nominal GDP 0.866 BTS 3-Month-Ahead Expectation of Orders 0.984 0.866 Kariyer.net Applications/Non-Farm Labor Force VAT on Imports/Nominal GDP Real Exchange Rate Index for Emerging Economies Consumer Loans and Credit Cards/Nominal GDP 50 0.839 0.915 0.964 Quarterly Change in Consumer Loans/Quarterly Nominal GDP Quarterly Change in Mortgage Loans/Quarterly Nominal GDP 0.951 0.897 0.798 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Series in Table 1 are later employed to construct the composite index, which is based on the simple averaging method in accordance with the OECD methodology. In order to represent the labor market developments, Kariyer.net job posts and applications are included in the index. The consumer confidence index and the BTS expectation of employment and orders that reveal firms’ expectations are included as survey indicators. Also, loans are included as a financial market indicator to reflect the financing of the real sector via markets. In addition, domestic VAT and VAT on imports are added to account for the economic activity. Chart 1. Composite Index and Non-Farm Unemployment Rate Composite Index Non-Farm Unemployment Rate 0915 0115 0514 0913 0113 97 0512 98 97 0911 98 0111 99 0510 100 99 0909 100 0109 101 0508 101 0907 102 0107 103 102 0506 103 0905 104 0105 104 Source: TURKSTAT, Authors’ calculations. Chart 1 displays a comparison of the composite index and the unemployment rate. Despite showing similarities, the two series seem to display occasional differences as the index may underestimate the highrated changes in unemployment rate. In sum, the composite index constructed by the series selected by their out-of-sample forecast out-performs the baseline model that explains unemployment rate only with its lagged values. REFERENCES Gürcihan, B.Y., G. Şengül and A. Yavuz, 2013, A Quest for Leading Indicators of the Turkish Unemployment Rate, Central Bank Review, 14(1): 23-45. Inflation Report 2015-IV 51 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Box 4.4 Projections on Labor Force Participation Rate This box presents labor force participation rate projections for the Turkish economy during the 2014–2050 period. Labor force participation rate projections are produced by age, gender and education level using micro data from the Household Labor Force Survey (HLFS) released by the TURKSTAT. The study employs the HLFS data for the 2004–2013 period in addition to the population projections from 2014 to 2050 produced by the TURKSTAT. TURKSTAT population projections suggest that the aging rate and age distribution of the Turkish population will exhibit considerable changes from 2014 to 2050. Within the total population, the share of the population between 15 and 64, considered as the working age, is expected to fall by around 5 points to 63.4 percent; while the share of the population aged 65 and above is envisaged to rise by 13 points to 20.8 percent until 2050. Concentration of the labor force participation rate of the population at lower age groups may pose a downside risk to the total labor force participation rate. Thus, taking into account this projected change in the demographic structure is considerably important to the labor force participation rate projections. Moreover, the fact that the average retirement age, which was 51 in 2013, will be raised gradually to 65 in the upcoming years is also taken into consideration in this box. Another factor to be considered when making labor force participation rate projections is the education level of individuals as a measurement of human capital accumulation. According to the data from 2013, the labor force participation rate of university graduates is around 80 percent, while that of individuals with high school and lower education level is 46.7 percent. Given this difference, a rise in the education level can push the labor force participation rate up across the country. With a continued increase in the education level, the university graduation rate in Turkey is expected to catch up with that of developed countries over time. The analyses are based on the population projections produced under the baseline scenario by the TURKSTAT. The baseline scenario assumes that the total fertility rate per woman, which was around 2 in 2013, will naturally fall to 1.85 in 2023 and 1.65 in 2050. Accordingly, it is expected that total population in Turkey will increase further, yet at a decelerating pace (Chart 1). The median age, which was 30.4 in 2013, is predicted to rise to 34 in 2023. The Turkish labor market will be one of the most affected areas by the aging of the population. The share of the population of the working age within the total population is anticipated to post a mild increase in the 2013–2023 period, but decline by around 5 points up to 2050 (Chart 2). This projection mainly relies on the decline in the share of individuals between the ages of 25-49 with a higher labor force participation rate within the total population. On the other hand, it should be noted that the share of individuals between 50-64 ages with a lower labor force participation rate is expected to rise within the total population. In addition, the share of the population aged 65 and above is expected to rise by around 13 points. 52 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 2. Distribution of the Population by Age Groups Chart 1. Population Projections by Age Groups (Percent of the Total Population) 0-14 (percent of the total population) 65+ (percent of the total population) Total (million people, right axis) 30 95 90 25 15-64 15-24 (right axis) 25-49 (right axis) 50-64 (right axis) 70 40 35 68 30 85 66 20 25 80 20 64 15 75 15 70 2050 2047 2044 2041 2038 2035 2032 2029 2026 2023 2020 2017 2014 2011 65 2008 5 62 10 60 5 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2026 2028 2030 2032 2034 2036 2038 2040 2042 2044 2046 2048 2050 10 Source: TURKSTAT, Authors’ calculations. The analysis is based on annual data. First, individuals aged 15 and above are retrieved from the HLFS and categorized by age groups of five years in each survey period.5 These age groups are also classified by gender. At this point, the university graduation rate is calculated for all the above clusters, which are categorized by age groups and gender (Ceritoğlu and Eren, 2015).6 Accordingly, university graduation rates for males are females are estimated to reach 25.7 percent and 23 percent, respectively in 2050. Total university graduation rate is expected to register a stable growth and hit 24.4 percent in 2050 (Chart 3). Labor force participation rate projections are produced by classifying individuals according to age, gender and education levels. The education level of individuals is analyzed in two categories as university graduates and individuals with education levels of high school and below.7 Then, labor force participation rate projections are produced separately for each cluster (Chart 4). Forecasts produced for each cluster are weighted with their shares in the TURKSTAT population projections, which yields projections for Turkey overall (Ceritoğlu and Eren, 2015). In the upcoming years, the rate of individuals between 15 and 24 ages enrolled in the formal education system is expected to increase in Turkey. As a result of increases in the schooling rate, the labor force participation rate of individuals in this age range will be pressured downwards. Labor force participation preferences are analyzed by dividing individuals into 11 age groups as 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 5054, 55-59, 60-64 and 65+. 6 For every age and gender group, HLFS 2004 – 2013 realizations and the university graduation rates are separately estimated by power functions. 7 In this study, university graduates imply undergraduates (2, 3 or 4-year college graduates) as well as individuals having obtained a graduate degree. Likewise, high school graduates denote individuals with high school diploma or lower education levels. 5 Inflation Report 2015-IV 53 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 3. University Graduation Rates Chart 4. Labor Force Participation Rate (Aged 15 and above, Percent) (Aged 15 and above, Percent) Male Total Total Female 28 Female Male (right axis) 65 28 73.0 25.7 60 24.4 24 72.5 24 55 23.0 20 50 20 72.0 45 16 71.5 16 40 12 35 12 71.0 30 8 70.5 8 25 2050 2047 2044 2041 2038 2035 2032 2029 2026 2023 2020 2017 2014 2008 70.0 2011 20 4 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2026 2028 2030 2032 2034 2036 2038 2040 2042 2044 2046 2048 2050 4 Source: TURKSTAT, Authors’ calculations. Readings in the shaded area denote actual values. On account of the social security reform, the average retirement age is anticipated to gradually approach 65 until 2050. Accordingly, the labor force participation rate of individuals in the 50-64 age range is assumed to increase linearly. Moreover, the labor force participation rate of high school graduate females is expected to record a steady increase by starting from a low level and approach the developed country averages afterwards. In this context, high school graduate females are anticipated to provide higher contribution to the expected increase in the labor force participation rate in Turkey in the upcoming years (Table 1). Table 1. Labor Force Participation Rate Projections by Age Groups (Percent) Male 2013 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 Female Total 15-24 25-49 50-64 Total 15-24 25-49 50-64 Total 15-24 25-49 50-64 Total 53.6 53.4 53.7 53.2 52.9 52.7 52.6 93.0 94.0 94.3 94.6 94.8 94.9 95.0 57.0 67.2 72.5 76.3 80.1 84.4 88.1 71.1 71.7 71.7 71.8 71.7 71.6 71.4 27.9 32.2 34.1 35.6 37.0 38.6 40.2 40.6 56.4 62.1 67.5 72.5 77.2 81.0 22.0 33.3 39.2 44.0 49.0 53.8 58.7 30.5 39.8 42.9 45.7 48.0 50.0 51.5 41.0 43.0 44.2 44.6 45.2 45.8 46.5 67.1 75.4 78.4 81.2 83.8 86.2 88.2 39.4 50.2 55.8 60.1 64.6 69.1 73.4 50.7 55.6 57.2 58.7 59.8 60.7 61.3 Source: TURKSTAT, Authors’ calculations. Under the alternative scenario, which assumes that the distribution of the population by age remains unchanged at 2013 levels, the male labor force participation rate will hit 77.9 percent rather than 71.4 percent in 2050. Moreover, under the same assumption, the total labor force participation rate will increase to 68.9 percent rather than 61.3 percent in 2050. The alternative scenario clearly reveals the strong and adverse effect of the aging of the population on the labor force participation rate. In sum, this box estimates male, female and total labor force participation rates for Turkey for the 2014–2050 period. Total labor force participation rate is expected to rise in the upcoming years, but at a decelerating pace owing to the aging of the population. This effect is more evident for males, causing a decline in the labor force participation rate. 54 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Lastly, a deceleration or acceleration in the fertility rate in the upcoming years may cause a change in the demographic structure, which may affect the total labor force participation rate. Particularly, a larger-thanexpected decline in the fertility rate might lead to a lower total labor force participation rate due to faster aging of the population. REFERENCES Ceritoğlu, E. and O. Eren, 2015, İşgücüne Katılım Oranı Öngörüleri (in Turkish), CBT Research Notes in Economics No. 07/15. Inflation Report 2015-IV 55 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey 56 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey 5. Financial Markets and Financial Intermediation The third quarter of 2015 was marked by heightened volatility in financial markets largely due to signals of a global economic slowdown driven by the Chinese economy and mounting uncertainties over the Fed’s monetary policy actions. Lowered global growth expectations and the deteriorated risk sentiment affected mostly commodity-exporting and external-finance-dependent emerging economies in the form of accelerated capital outflows. In this period, in addition to external developments, Turkish markets also faced volatility due to domestic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. These developments affected short to medium-term perceptions over Turkey considerably, yet the deterioration in long-term financial indicators remained relatively limited. The Fed’s September decision to hold off rate hikes and the weaker-than-expected US economic activity indicators pushed markets’ rate rise bets into the spring of 2016, helping the financial market indicators to start recovering since the end of the third quarter. In this period, falling commodity prices also continued to have positive implications for economic activity and the current account deficit, improving the risk sentiment towards Turkey. The FCI for Turkey tightened notably in the third quarter (Chart 5.1). All financial variables in the index, especially loan standards and loan rates, caused tightening in financial conditions (Chart 5.2). Against this backdrop, domestic loan growth is expected to slow further over the remainder of the year. Thanks to the recent improvement in the global risk appetite and the decline in negative perceptions of domestic risks, the tightening of financial conditions is less likely to deepen, but uncertainties hang over global markets. Chart 5.1. Chart 5.2. Financial Conditions and Credit Growth* Contributions to FCI** EMBI Slope of the Yield Curve Benchmark Rate Capital Flows tightening easing FCI (standardized) Net Credit Use/GDP (annual, percent, right axis) 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 -0.5 -1.0 -1.5 -2.0 -2.5 -3.0 14 12 Loan Rate Exhange Rate Loan Standards Stock Return 3 3 2 2 6 1 1 4 0 0 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -4 -3 10 8 2 0 1234123412341234123412341234123 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 -3 1234123412341234123412341234123 2014 2015 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 * For further details on measuring FCI, see the CRBT Working Paper No. 15/13. ** Slope of the yield curve is measured by the spread between 10-year and 2-year interest rates. Source: CBRT. Inflation Report 2015-IV 57 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey 5.1. Financial Markets Global Risk Perceptions The uncertainty over global monetary policies continued into the third quarter of 2015. In particular, the timing of the Fed’s first policy rate hike was one of the major concerns dominating global markets. The US economic data emitted mixed signals in this reporting period as the US economy grew by a surprisingly high 3.7 percent in the second quarter, while unemployment and inflation data were lower than expected. The Fed’s statement to postpone the first rate hike until inflation moves back to its 2-percent objective and its emphasis on the global economic slowdown shifted expectations of a policy rate hike to 2016. Therefore, rates on 10-year US Treasury bonds have dropped as of September (Chart 5.1.1). The Fed’s focus on the path and the pace of the process rather than the timing of the first rate hike fed into the expectations that the policy rate increase will be slow and gradual, which in turn alleviated the interest rate volatility. In the Euro area, the economy grew by a mere 0.4 percent in the second quarter and the fall in inflation was driven by energy prices; however, the ECB announced that the asset purchase program might be extended beyond September 2016 to ensure a sustained return of inflation to a level close to 2 percent. In this period, China’s sluggish economic activity, the Chinese stock market crash and the devaluation of the Chinese renminbi against the US dollar were the major factors feeding into the global market uncertainty. Thus, the emerging market exchange rate volatility posted a remarkable increase in the inter-reporting period (Chart 5.1.2). Chart 5.1.1. Chart 5.1.2. 10-Year US Treasury Bond Rates and MOVE Index JPMVXYEM Volatility Index (Percent) 10-Year US Treasury Bond Rates 14 14 13 13 12 12 11 11 90 10 10 80 9 9 8 8 7 7 6 6 50 5 5 40 4 4 120 110 3.0 100 2.5 2.0 70 60 1.5 1015 0715 0415 0115 1014 0714 0414 0114 1013 0713 0413 0113 1.0 0113 0313 0513 0713 0913 1113 0114 0314 0514 0714 0914 1114 0115 0315 0515 0715 0915 MOVE Index (right axis) 3.5 Source: Bloomberg. Spillovers from the Chinese economy, lower-than-expected growth rates across emerging economies and geopolitical tensions caused the global risk appetite to stand at low levels while the EMBI and the CDS premiums of emerging economies rose dramatically. Yet, with hopes of a Fed rate hike pushed into 2016, risk premium indicators posted some decrease recently (Charts 5.1.3 and 5.1.4). Likewise, after soaring markedly in the inter-reporting period, risk premium indicators for Turkey experienced a recent fall. 58 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 5.1.3. Chart 5.1.4. Regional EMBI Indices Changes in CDS* (Basis Points) (Basis Points) EMBI Europe EMBI Turkey EMBI Asia Turkey Emerging Economies Selected Emerging Economies EMBI Latin America 650 650 200 600 600 180 180 550 550 160 160 500 500 140 140 120 120 100 100 80 80 60 60 40 40 20 20 0 0 350 1015 0915 -20 0815 100 0715 100 -20 0615 150 0515 150 0415 200 0215 0315 200 0115 250 1214 250 1114 300 1112 0113 0313 0513 0713 0913 1113 0114 0314 0514 0714 0914 1114 0115 0315 0515 0715 0915 300 0714 350 1014 400 0914 450 400 0814 450 200 * Emerging economies include Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Hungary, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, Romania and South Africa. Selected emerging economies are Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa. Denotes changes since 24 July 2014. Source: Bloomberg. Source: Bloomberg. Portfolio Flows In line with the above global developments, emerging economies saw portfolio outflows in the third quarter of 2015. As for capital flows to emerging economies, Asian-oriented funds led to a sharp fall in stock inflows. Overall, most of the portfolio outflows in this period were driven by the US rebound, mounting concerns over a continued Chinese slowdown and the lower-than-expected growth rates across emerging economies (Charts 5.1.5 and 5.1.6). Chart 5.1.5. Chart 5.1.6. Portfolio Flows to Emerging Economies Cumulative Portfolio Flows to Emerging Economies (Billion USD) -5 -10 -15 -15 -20 -20 0915 0715 0515 0315 0115 1114 -40 0914 -35 -40 0714 -35 0514 -30 0314 -25 -30 0114 -25 0 -20 -20 -40 -40 2014 -60 2015 -60 -80 -80 December -5 -10 0 November 0 20 October 0 20 August 5 September 10 5 40 2008-2014 Average July 10 40 June 15 May 15 April 20 March Equities January Bonds 20 February (Billion USD, 4-Week Cumulative) Source: EPFR. Due to weakening capital flows into emerging economies and domestic uncertainty, Turkey has seen portfolio outflows since July while portfolio inflows have differed significantly from the average of previous years (Charts 5.1.7 and 5.1.8). Inflation Report 2015-IV 59 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 5.1.7. Chart 5.1.8. Portfolio Flows to Turkey* Cumulative Portfolio Flows to Turkey* (Billion USD, 4-Week Cumulative) (Billion USD) Bonds 4 Equity 4 3 3 9 9 2008-2014 Average 7 7 5 2 2 1 1 0 0 -1 -1 -2 -2 -3 -3 5 2014 3 3 1 1 -1 2015 -3 -3 December October November September July August May June April March February -5 January -5 0915 0715 0515 0315 0115 1114 0914 0714 0514 0314 0114 -1 * Excludes repo. Source: CBRT. Exchange Rates Amid lower global risk appetite and higher sovereign risk premiums driven by expectations of a policy rate hike by the Fed and volatile Chinese stock markets, emerging market currencies depreciated against the USD in the inter-reporting period (Chart 5.1.9). Some of the losses were recouped by the improving global risk appetite thanks to sentiments for a delayed rate hike due to the recent worse-than-expected US non-farm payroll numbers. The Turkish lira followed a pattern similar to other emerging market currencies in the third quarter. The currency basket rose on par with increasing risk premiums. After equaling 2.92 on 30 July 2015 when the July Inflation Report was published, the currency basket hovers around 3.05 as of 26 October 2015 (Chart 5.1.10). Chart 5.1.9. Chart 5.1.10. TL and Emerging Market Currencies vs USD* Currency Basket and the Risk Premium (31.10.2014=1) (Percent) Currency Basket (0.5 USD+0.5 euro) Emerging Economies EMBI+Turkey (right axis) 1.45 Selected Emerging Economies 1.45 3.3 1.40 Turkey 1.40 3.2 340 3.1 320 3.0 300 2.9 280 2.8 260 1.35 1.35 1.30 1.30 1.25 1.25 1.20 1.20 360 * Emerging economies include Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Mexico, Poland, Romania, South Africa, India, Indonesia and Turkey. Selected emerging economies are Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa. Source: Bloomberg. 1015 0915 0815 0715 0615 0515 0415 0315 0215 0115 1214 1114 180 1014 2.4 0915 0.95 0815 200 0.95 0715 2.5 0615 1.00 0515 220 1.00 0415 2.6 0315 1.05 0215 240 1.05 0115 2.7 1214 1.10 1114 1.15 1.10 1014 1.15 Source: Bloomberg. In line with third-quarter developments, implied exchange rate volatilities of emerging market currencies posted an upsurge. The implied volatility of the Turkish lira followed a path similar to other emerging market currencies, rising both in short and long terms from the previous period (Chart 5.1.11). Yet, the implied volatility of the Turkish lira recorded some decrease on the back of the recently 60 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey improving global risk appetite. The early third-quarter exchange rate depreciation was also evident in risk reversal positions that denote the spread among the volatilities implied by buy (call) and sell (put) options. A widening spread means that expectations of depreciation outweigh those for an appreciation. However, thanks to the recent recovery in exchange rates, risk reversal positions also displayed some decreases (Chart 5.1.12.) Chart 5.1.11. Chart 5.1.12. Implied Volatility of Exchange Rates* 25 Delta Risk Reversal Positions at Various Maturities* (1-Month-Ahead) (5-Day Moving Average, Percent) 1015 3.1 3 2.9 2.8 2.7 2.6 2.5 2.4 2.3 2.2 2.1 2 1.9 1.8 1.7 0715 0114 1113 0913 0713 * Emerging economies with current account deficit include Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Indonesia, Mexico, Poland, Romania, South Africa and India. Source: Bloomberg. 0415 0 0115 1 3 1014 6 3 0414 6 0114 2 1013 3 9 0713 12 9 0413 12 0915 4 0715 5 15 0515 18 15 0315 18 0115 6 1114 7 21 0914 24 21 0714 24 0514 8 0314 27 27 1-Month 3-Month 1-Year USD/TL (right axis) Turkey 0714 Emerging Economies with Current Account Deficit * Risk reversal position denotes the difference between implied volatilities of call and put options with the same delta. An increase indicates that depreciation is more likely than an appreciation in TL. Source: Bloomberg, CBRT. Monetary Policy The CBRT released a road map on 18 August 2015 for the policies to be implemented before and during the normalization of global monetary policies. Thus, adjustments were made to interest rate, Turkish lira liquidity, foreign exchange liquidity and financial stability policies, which will be implemented before and during the normalization. Accordingly, the interest rate and TL liquidity policies were simplified; quotation on the interest rate on borrowing facilities provided for primary dealers was terminated; and collateral conditions were made simpler. Moreover, it was announced that the interest rate corridor will be more symmetric around the one-week repo interest rate and the width of the corridor will be narrowed following the global monetary normalization. The CBRT also stated that it would take some measures to enhance the flexibility of the foreign exchange liquidity policy and additional measures to bolster core liabilities and long-term borrowing as measures to support financial stability before and during the global monetary policy normalization. In its presentation on 16 September 2015, the “Briefing on Simplification of the Collateral Framework and Changes in the Primary Dealer Liquidity Facility”, the CBRT announced the changes in the Turkish lira liquidity policy. Accordingly, starting from 23 September 2015, instead of offering a favorable interest rate on borrowing facilities, the primary dealership system would be supported by allocating higher bid limits at one-week quantity repo auctions to primary dealers without changing the CBRT funding cost. In addition, as of 28 September 2015, collateral conditions for Turkish lira transactions were simplified. Accordingly, haircut rates were equalized for all tranches; the number of haircut ratios for Turkish Lira collaterals was reduced from 13 to 2 while the number of haircut ratios for Inflation Report 2015-IV 61 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey FX collaterals was reduced from 18 to 3. Moreover, in terms of FX deposits as collateral for TL operations, this facility was accepted at only 1-month tenor; the interest rate on these FX deposits would be announced; and for each bank, a specific upper limit would be applied to the FX deposit that is pledged as collateral within the CBRT. Effective 28 September 2015, all these changes aim to enhance banks’ liquidity management. The CBRT maintained its tight monetary policy stance in the third quarter of 2015 to help core inflation remain less affected by the cumulative exchange rate changes since early 2015. In this period, the CBRT kept the one-week repo auction rate at 7.5 percent, the overnight lending rate at 10.75 percent, and the overnight borrowing rate at 7.25 percent. One-week repo auctions remained the leading tool for the CBRT funding, while the share of the marginal funding was raised gradually (Chart 5.1.13). Accordingly, the average funding rate settled at a higher level compared to the previous reporting period. The average funding rate, which was 8.5 percent in the July reporting period, rose to about 8.75 percent in the third quarter. Moreover, the interbank overnight repo rates were kept at the upper band of the interest rate corridor in this quarter as well (Chart 5.1.14). Future monetary policy decisions will be conditional on the inflation outlook. Inflation expectations, the pricing behavior and other factors that affect inflation will be monitored closely and the tight monetary policy stance will be maintained as long as deemed necessary. Chart 5.1.13. Chart 5.1.14. CBRT Funding CBRT Rates and BIST Repo Rates (10-Day Moving Average, Billion TL) (Percent) 30 20 20 10 10 0 0 1015 0815 0615 0415 0215 1214 1014 0814 0614 0414 0214 1213 -10 1013 -10 8 6 6 4 4 2 2 1015 30 8 0815 40 0615 50 40 10 0415 50 10 0215 60 12 1214 60 12 1014 70 0814 80 70 0614 80 14 0414 90 0214 100 90 1213 100 Interest Rate Corridor CBRT Average Funding Rate (5-day moving average) BIST O/N Repo Rates (5-day moving average) 1-Week Repo Rate 14 1013 Marginal Funding O/N Funding One-Week Repo 1-Month Repo Reverse Repo at the BIST and Interbank Money Market Net Open Market Operations Source: BIST, CBRT. In addition to funds provided by the CBRT, short-term funds provided from various markets also play a significant role in meeting the Turkish lira liquidity requirement of the banking system. Market funding is mostly provided via swap markets with up to one-week maturity. These are followed by funds transacted under the BIST Interbank Repo and Reverse Repo Market and those which are exchanged by intermediaries under the BIST Repo and Reverse Repo Market (Chart 5.1.15). The average cost of non-CBRT funds was higher than the marginal funding rate, causing non-CBRT market funding to decline since the previous reporting period (Chart 5.1.16). The effective funding rate calculated by the weights of CBRT and non-CBRT funds in total funds was around 9.4 percent in October. 62 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 5.1.15. Chart 5.1.16. Market Funding Bank’s Funding Costs at the Money Markets (10-Day Moving Average, Billion TL) (5-Day Moving Average, Percent) Interest Rate Corridor CBRT Average Funding Rate BIST O/N Repo Rates Money Market Weekly Effective Funding Rate Money Market Weekly Effective Funding Rate (excl. CBRT funding) BIST Interbank (excl. CBRT, O/N) BIST Repo and Reverse Repo (O/N) Swap (up to 1-week maturity ) 80 70 70 60 60 50 50 40 40 30 30 20 20 10 10 0 0 14 14 12 12 10 10 8 8 6 6 4 4 2 2 1013 1113 1213 0114 0214 0314 0414 0514 0614 0714 0814 0914 1014 1114 1214 0115 0215 0315 0415 0515 0615 0715 0815 0915 1015 1013 1113 1213 0114 0214 0314 0414 0514 0614 0714 0814 0914 1014 1114 1214 0115 0215 0315 0415 0515 0615 0715 0815 0915 1015 80 Source: BIST, CBRT. The spread between 5-year market rates and the BIST overnight repo rates hovered around zero as of October 2015 (Chart 5.1.17). The yield curve hardly changed and remained nearly horizontal in this period (Chart 5.1.18). Chart 5.1.17. Chart 5.1.18. Market Rates Yield Curve (Percent) (Percent) 29 July 2015-26 October 2015 1-26 October 2015 0 -2 -2 -4 -4 10.0 10.0 9.5 9.5 9.00 2 0 10.5 10.00 2 10.5 8.00 4 7.00 6 4 11.0 5.00 6 11.0 4.00 8 3.00 10 8 2.00 10 11.5 1.00 12 0711 0911 1111 0112 0312 0512 0712 0912 1112 0113 0313 0513 0713 0913 1113 0114 0314 0514 0714 0914 1114 0115 0315 0515 0715 0915 12 11.5 0.50 14 0.25 14 5-Year Market Rates-BIST O/N Rates BIST O/N Rates (5-day moving average) 5-Year Market Rates Maturity (year) Source: Bloomberg, CBRT. Source: Bloomberg. Besides interest rate and liquidity policies, the CBRT continues to employ other policy instruments to support financial stability. These measures aim at limiting macrofinancial risks and contributing to a balanced growth by promoting prudential borrowing. In the first quarter of 2015, to encourage the extension of maturities, the CBRT had raised the required reserve ratios applied to non-core short-term FX liabilities of banks and financing companies. On 29 August 2015, the CBRT announced that required reserve ratios for new non-core FX liabilities after 28 August 2015 would be revised to encourage maturities of longer than three years (Chart 5.1.19). This change seems to have supported the extension of maturities for non-core FX liabilities since November 2014 (Chart 5.1.20). In a second announcement on 29 August 2015, the CBRT raised the remuneration rate for the TL required reserves by 50 basis points each in September, October and December. This adjustment aimed at reducing intermediation costs of the banking sector and supporting core liabilities. In fact, the loans-to-deposits ratio has settled on a relatively more stable track since the introduction of these measures in November 2014 (Chart 5.1.21). Inflation Report 2015-IV 63 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 5.1.19. Chart 5.1.20. FX Required Reserve Ratios Non-Deposit FX Liabilities by Maturity (Percent) (Percent) 30 30 7 June 2013 Announcement of Required Reserve Measures in the Financial Stability Report 60 27 February 2015 25 25 27 March 2015 23 October 2015 55 55 <1-Year 50 20 20 15 15 60 50 45 45 >3-Year 40 40 10 10 35 35 5 5 30 30 25 25 0 1-year 2-year 3-year 5-year 0114 0214 0314 0414 0514 0614 0714 0814 0914 1014 1114 1214 0115 0215 0315 0415 0515 0615 0715 0815 0915 0 >5-year Source: CBRT. In the road map regarding the steps to be taken during the normalization of global monetary policies, the CBRT also included some measures to enhance the flexibility of the foreign exchange liquidity management. To this end, transaction limits for banks at the CBRT Foreign Exchange and Banknotes Markets were raised by around 130 percent to 50 billion USD on 1 September 2015. Consequently, the sum of deposit limits allocated to banks and gold and foreign exchange assets held at the CBRT under the ROM reached a level that is considerably above the external debt payments of banks, which are due within the year. Moreover, the CBRT announced that because of the increased volatility in global financial markets, as of 19 August 2015, the amount of the foreign exchange sales auction may be increased by up to 70 million USD above the pre-announced minimum amount. Accordingly, the CBRT maintains the stabilizing stance regarding the foreign exchange liquidity. Chart 5.1.21. Chart 5.1.22. Loans/Deposits CBRT FX Reserves* (Percent) (Billion USD) FX Required Reserves Announcement of Required Reserve Measures in the Financial Stability Report Gold ROM 40 80 80 20 20 70 70 0 0 0915 0615 140 0315 1214 40 0914 60 90 0614 60 90 0314 80 100 1213 80 100 0913 100 0613 100 0313 110 1212 110 0912 120 0612 120 0312 120 1211 120 0911 140 Source: CBRT. 64 Other Gold Reserves Precious Metal 130 0110 0510 0910 0111 0511 0911 0112 0512 0912 0113 0513 0913 0114 0514 0914 0115 0515 0915 130 Other FX Reserves FX ROM * As of 23 October 2015. Source: CBRT. Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey The CBRT reserves were slightly down in the inter-reporting period (Chart 5.1.22). In this period, the CBRT’s other FX reserves declined due to the above FX selling auctions supporting the FX liquidity, which, however, was offset by rising reserves maintained by banks under the FX required reserves. The amount maintained by banks within the ROM was kept unchanged. The use of ROM by financial institutions remained high in the second quarter and stood at 96.1 percent (57.7/60) for FX and 94 percent (28/30) for gold by the maintenance period of 9 October 2015. The CBRT sold 18.9 billion USD from early 2015 to 22 October 2015 via FX selling auctions and direct FX sales to energy-importing SEEs. In the same period, the FX obtained through rediscount credits amounted to 12.7 billion USD. Continuing with FX selling auctions and direct FX sales to energyimporting SEEs in the upcoming period will bring the CBRT’s FX reserves down; yet, export rediscount credits will drive these reserves higher. In sum, in view of the current global and domestic conditions, the CBRT’s monetary policy stance is tight against the Turkish lira, stabilizing for the FX liquidity, and supportive of financial stability. Market Rates In the beginning of the third quarter, the rising sovereign risk premiums and the weak and volatile capital inflows caused market rates to increase moderately in emerging economies. October’s improved global risk appetite partially offset the increase in market rates (Charts 5.1.23 and 5.1.24). In this period, Turkey’s market rates were also on the rise due to global developments as well as domestic uncertainties and heightened geopolitical tensions. Amid recent expectations of a delayed Fed rate hike, the improved global outlook for emerging economies helped reduce rates slightly in Turkey. On a country level, thanks to the recent recovery, Turkey recorded a modest change in 5-year and 6-month market rates compared to the previous reporting period (Charts 5.1.25 and 5.1.26). Chart 5.1.23. Chart 5.1.24. 5-Year Market Rates* 6-Month Market Rates* (Percent) (Percent) Brazil India Turkey South Africa Indonesia Brazil India Turkey South Africa Indonesia 17 17 16 16 16 16 15 15 15 15 14 14 13 13 12 12 14 14 13 13 11 11 12 12 10 10 11 11 9 9 10 10 8 8 7 7 6 6 0915 0715 0515 0315 0115 1114 0914 0714 0514 0314 0114 1113 0913 0713 0915 0715 0515 3 0315 3 0115 6 1114 4 6 0914 4 0714 7 0514 5 7 0314 5 0114 8 1113 8 0913 9 0713 9 * As of 26 October 2015. 4-year market rates are used for Brazil. Source: Bloomberg. Inflation Report 2015-IV 65 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 5.1.25. Chart 5.1.26. 5-Year Market Rates* 6-Month Market Rates* 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.5 2.0 2.0 1.5 1.5 1.0 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.0 -0.5 -0.5 -1.0 -1.0 Brazil Colombia Peru Indonesia Malaysia Chile Turkey Thailand South Africa South Korea China Poland Czech Republic Mexico India Hungary Romania 3.0 (Percent) 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.0 -0.2 -0.4 -0.6 -0.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.0 -0.2 -0.4 -0.6 -0.8 Peru Colombia Indonesia Chile Brazil China Thailand South Korea Poland Turkey South Africa Mexico Malaysia Romania Czech Republic Hungary India (Percent) 3.5 * Denotes changes from 31 July 2015 to 26 October 2015. 4-year market rates are used for Brazil. Source: Bloomberg. Thanks to the CBRT’s cautious monetary policy stance backed by a tight liquidity policy throughout 2015, the BIST overnight repo rates remained close to the upper band of the interest rate corridor in the third quarter (Chart 5.1.14). Thus, due to the cautious monetary policy stance and the decision to remain watchful of the Fed’s policy actions during the monetary normalization, the median of the expected overnight rate distribution at the BIST Repo and Reverse Repo Market shifted slightly right (Chart 5.1.27). Meanwhile, inflation expectations, which are influential in long-term market rates, were higher than in July (Chart 5.1.28). Chart 5.1.27. Chart 5.1.28. Expected Overnight Rates at the BIST Repo and Reverse Repo Market* (Percent) Inflation Expectations* July 2015 0.9 (Percent) July 2015 October 2015 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.7 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 October 2015 8.4 8.4 8.25 8.0 8.0 7.71 7.6 7.6 7.34 7.2 7.2 7.05 6.88 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 6.8 6.69 0 * CBRT Survey of Expectations. Source: CBRT. 1217 1017 0817 0617 0417 6.4 0217 6.4 1216 14 1016 13 0816 12 0716 11 0516 10 0316 9 1115 8 0116 0 6.8 * End of current month, current year-end, 12-month-ahead and 24-monthahead policy rate expectations derived from the CBRT Survey of Expectations. Source: CBRT. In the third quarter of 2015, real rates in Turkey displayed a rise, which was followed by a fall. Despite the uptick in 2-year inflation expectations, the movement in nominal interest rates was more pronounced, dominating the third-quarter pattern of 2-year real rates (Chart 5.1.29). Meanwhile, having fallen after a rise, the benchmark rate was on par with Turkey’s sovereign risk premium through the third quarter. Despite the recent minor declines, Turkey’s 2-year real rates ranked higher among emerging economies (Chart 5.1.30). 66 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 5.1.29. Chart 5.1.30. 2-Year Real Interest Rates for Turkey* 2-Year Real Interest Rates* (Percent) (Percent) Real Interest Rate 12 4 11 3 10 2 9 1 8 7 -1 6 10 9 9 7 7 6 6 4 4 3 3 1 1 -1 -1 -2 -2 0114 0214 0314 0414 0514 0614 0714 0814 0914 1014 1114 1214 0115 0215 0315 0415 0515 0615 0715 0815 0915 1015 0 10 Brazil Indonesia Turkey India Colombia Peru Romania South Africa Poland China Philippines Thailand Mexico Malaysia South Korea Chile Hungary Israel Czech Republic Benchmark Rate (right axis) 5 * Calculated as the difference between 2-year market rates and the 24month-ahead inflation expectations derived from the CBRT Survey of Expectations. Source: Bloomberg, BIST, CBRT. * Calculated as the difference between 2-year Treasury bond yields of countries and the 24-month-ahead inflation expectations derived from the Consensus Forecasts. Source: Bloomberg, Consensus Forecasts, CBRT Loan Rates and Banking Sector Funding Costs Having remained flat in the first quarter of 2015 and recording an uptick in the second quarter, rates on loans extended to the non-financial sector continued to rise in the third quarter. Among consumer loans, mortgage loan rates soared by about 160 basis points quarter-on-quarter, while rates on personal loans and automobile loans jumped by 130 and 175 basis points, respectively (Chart 5.1.31). Up by around 210 basis points, commercial loan rates rose at a faster pace than consumer loan rates in this period. Likewise, commercial loan rates excluding overdraft accounts surged by about 200 basis points (Chart 5.1.32). This third-quarter upturn in loan rates is consistent with the Loan Tendency Survey’s prediction of tighter domestic and external financing conditions. Chart 5.1.31. Chart 5.1.32. Consumer Loan Rates TL Commercial Loan Rates (Flow, Annualized, Percent) (Flow, Annualized, 4-Week Moving Average, Percent) Commercial Loan Rate Commercial Loan Rate (excl. overdraft accounts) Mortgage 5 5 0815 8 0215 0515 8 1114 11 0814 11 0214 0514 14 1113 14 0813 17 0213 0513 17 1112 20 0812 20 0212 0512 7 0715 7 0315 9 1114 9 0714 11 0314 11 1113 13 0713 13 0313 15 1112 15 0712 17 0312 17 1111 19 0711 19 0311 21 1110 21 1111 Automobile Personal Source: CBRT. Rates on deposits with maturities shorter than three months, which are the primary financing resources of the banking sector, rose by 50 basis points quarter-on-quarter owing to the CBRT’s tight liquidity stance and rising weighted funding costs in this quarter. As commercial loan rates soared more than deposit rates in the third quarter, the spread between commercial loan rates and deposit rates widened over 500 basis points after a long time (Chart 5.1.33). The weak and fluctuating fund flows Inflation Report 2015-IV 67 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey towards emerging economies also affected rates on bills and bonds issued by banks. After increasing by around 100 basis points at the end of the second quarter due to a weak performance, rates on bills and bonds edged down in mid-third quarter but accelerated again in September and ended the third quarter at 11.2 percent (Chart 5.1.34). Chart 5.1.33. Chart 5.1.34. TL Commercial Loan Rate and Deposit Interest Rate Indicators on Banks’ Funding Costs (Flow, Annualized, 4-Week Moving Average, Percent) TL Deposit Interest Rate Bills and Bonds Rate TL Commercial Loan Rate Deposit Interest Rate CBRT Average Funding Rate TL Commercial Loan Rate-TL Deposit Interest Rate (right axis) 17 15 13 11 9 7 6.5 12 13 6.0 11 12 5.5 10 11 5.0 9 4.5 8 4.0 7 3.5 6 3.0 5 5 4 4 3 3 2.5 2.0 9 8 7 6 0112 0312 0512 0712 0912 1112 0113 0313 0513 0713 0913 1113 0114 0314 0514 0714 0914 1114 0115 0315 0515 0715 0915 0112 0312 0512 0712 0912 1112 0113 0313 0513 0713 0913 1113 0114 0314 0514 0714 0914 1114 0115 0315 0515 0715 0915 5 10 Source: CBRT. 5.2. Credit Volume and Monetary Indicators The net credits to the GDP ratio, which is critical to financial stability and an indicator of the relationship of credit growth with economic activity and aggregate demand, posted a mild quarterly decrease and reached 8.5 percent in the third quarter of 2015 (Chart 5.2.1). The third-quarter financial tightening suggests that the net credits to GDP ratio will remain on a downtrend in the upcoming period. Meanwhile, firms’ external credit use remained close to historical averages in the third quarter of 2015, implying that firms had easy access to external borrowing (Chart 5.2.2). All in all, firms’ external credit use appears to have crept up year-on-year. Chart 5.2.1. Chart 5.2.2. Domestic Credit Stock and Net Domestic Credit Use* External Credit Stock and Net External Credit Use (Percent) (Percent) Domestic Credit Stock/GDP Net Domestic Credit Use/GDP (right axis) 75 External Credit Stock/GDP Net External Credit Use/GDP (right axis) 14 10 70 12 9 65 10 8 60 8 55 6 50 4 45 2 30 -2 1 -4 0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 1.0 4 3 * Domestic credits are comprised of total banking sector credits including participation banks, foreign branches and credit cards. Net credit use is measured as the annual change in nominal credit stock. Source: CBRT. 68 5 0 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3* 2.0 6 2 25 3.0 7 35 40 4.0 0.0 -1.0 -2.0 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3* 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 * Forecast. Source: CBRT. Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey The annual growth rate of loans extended to the non-financial sector, which decelerated due to the CBRT’s cautious monetary policy stance and the macroprudential measures introduced by the BRSA regarding consumer loans excluding mortgage, continued to fall for the second consecutive quarter. A breakdown of total loans shows that commercial loans continued to grow faster than consumer loans on the back of the measures adopted by the BRSA and the weak consumer confidence. Accordingly, loans extended to the non-financial sector posted a 15.3 percent year-onyear growth in exchange rate adjusted terms at the end of the third quarter of 2015, approaching the reference mark of 15 percent for the growth rate of total loans (Chart 5.2.3). In 13-week moving average terms, which display the third-quarter developments, total loans grew by an annual 6.6 percent (Chart 5.2.4). Chart 5.2.3. Chart 5.2.4. Loan Growth Loan Growth (Adjusted for Exchange Rate, Annual Percent Change) Commercial Total (Adjusted for Exchange Rate, 13-Week Moving Average, Annualized, Percent) Consumer 30 30 28 28 26 26 Commercial Total Consumer 40 40 35 35 30 30 1015 0715 0415 0115 1014 0714 0414 0114 1013 0713 0413 0113 1012 0712 0412 0 0112 0 1015 10 0715 5 10 0415 10 5 0115 10 12 1014 14 12 0714 14 0414 15 16 0114 15 16 1013 18 0713 20 18 0413 25 20 0113 25 20 1012 22 20 0712 22 0412 24 0112 24 Source: CBRT. Having hovered just below the averages of past years in the first quarter of 2015 and declining slightly more in the second quarter, the annualized growth rate of consumer loans ended the third quarter at a record low of 5 percent (Chart 5.2.5). This rapid quarter-on-quarter fall was driven by the slowdown across all subcategories except automobile loans. The Loan Tendency Survey and the Consumer Confidence Index hint at both supply and demand-driven slowdown for loans. The annualized growth rate of mortgage loans with a historically consistent 5-year average maturity and higher interest rate sensitivity was still greater than others, but went below past years’ averages, ending the quarter at 8.6 percent. According to the results of the Loan Tendency Survey for the third quarter, the demand for mortgage loans edged down while loan standards saw some tightening. As a result of the macroprudential measures implemented by the BRSA, the growth of automobile loans, which was negative but started to recover in line with seasonal effects, registered an additional improvement in the third quarter (Chart 5.2.6). Inflation Report 2015-IV 69 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 5.2.5. Chart 5.2.6. Consumer Loan Growth Consumer Loan Growth (13-Week Moving Average, Annualized, Percent) 2014 2007-2014 Average 40 2015 (13-Week Moving Average, Annualized, Percent) Mortgage Personal Automobile 10 10 -10 -10 5 5 -20 -20 0 -30 -30 Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug Jul Jun Apr May Mar Feb Jan 0 1015 0 0715 10 0 0415 10 15 0115 20 15 1014 20 0714 20 0414 30 20 0114 30 25 1013 30 25 0713 30 0413 40 0113 40 1012 35 0712 50 35 0412 50 0112 40 Source: CBRT. In the third quarter of the year, the annualized growth rate of commercial loans remained slightly below the averages of past years and hit 5.5 percent at the end of the quarter (Chart 5.2.7). This dramatic decline in commercial loans was largely driven by FX-denominated commercial loans, yet TLdenominated loans also appear to be slowing in the fourth quarter (Chart 5.2.8). Chart 5.2.7. Chart 5.2.8. Commercial Loan Growth TL and FX Commercial Loan Growth (Adjusted for Exchange Rate, 13-Week Moving Average, Annualized, Percent) (13-Week Moving Average, Annualized, Percent) 2007-2014 Average 2014 40 40 2015 35 35 30 30 25 25 20 20 45 TL Commercial Loans FX Commercial Loans (including foreign branches) 45 40 40 35 35 30 30 25 25 20 20 15 15 10 10 1015 0715 0415 0115 1014 0714 0414 Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug Jul Jun Apr May Mar Feb Jan 0 0114 -5 0 1013 0 -5 0713 5 5 0413 5 0 0113 5 1012 10 0712 10 0412 15 0112 15 Source: CBRT. According to the third-quarter Loan Tendency Survey results, standards for commercial loans tightened substantially and the analysis by firm size shows that this has been prevalent across SMEs and large-sized firms. However, responses suggest that the decline in banks’ appetite for long-term and FXdenominated lending is even more notable. As for factors affecting commercial loan standards, expectations for overall economic activity, which have led to tightening for the last three quarters, have continued to have a marked impact in this quarter. Meanwhile, both domestic and external financing conditions also caused tightening in loan standards. However, the effect of financing conditions was more evident on the side of domestic conditions. Expectations for the fourth quarter of 2015 reveal that loan standards are likely to tighten further. Similarly, financing conditions are expected to be much tighter. On the demand front, loan demand recorded a drop in the third quarter, which was significantly higher in large-sized firms. This drop was mostly attributed to the weakening demand 70 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey for investments, while the rising loan demand caused by debt restructuring failed to prevent the total loan demand from decreasing. Chart 5.2.9. Chart 5.2.10. Loan and Deposit Growth* M2 Money Supply and Loans* (Annual Change/GDP) Deposits Loans 16 14 12 12 10 10 8 8 6 6 4 4 2 0 0111 0411 0711 1011 0112 0412 0712 1012 0113 0413 0713 1013 0114 0414 0714 1014 0115 0415 0715 35 Loans 14 * Including participation banks and excluding interbank deposits. Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. (Adjusted for Exchange Rate, Annual Percent Change) M2 35 30 30 25 25 20 20 15 15 10 10 2 5 5 0 0 0 0111 0411 0711 1011 0112 0412 0712 1012 0113 0413 0713 1013 0114 0414 0714 1014 0115 0415 0715 1015 16 * Including participation banks and credits cards and excluding nonperforming loans. Source: CBRT. After having caught up with the pace of loan growth in the second quarter thanks to policies adopted by the CBRT and the BRSA, deposit growth exceeded loan growth in the third quarter (Chart 5.2.9). The relationship between M2 and loans suggests that the growth rate of loans has recently diverged from that of money supply, yet remained consistent and hovered at reasonable levels (Chart 5.2.10). Monetary Indicators Credits extended to the private sector continue to determine the annual growth of M3, the broad measure of money supply. The recently slowing growth rate of Private Sector Claims, which mostly include credits extended by banks to non-financial private individuals and institutions, caused the M3 growth to moderate in the third quarter. Meanwhile, the item Other, which displayed a relatively steady course in line with bank profitability, is still a non-deposit funding source for the banking sector, yet continues to contribute negatively to money supply. Being more unstable than the item Other, Public Sector Claims continue to put downward pressure on the M3 growth for the second quarter in a row (Chart 5.2.11). The annual growth of seasonally adjusted currency in circulation has been on an uptrend since the last quarter of 2014 (Chart 5.2.12). This is mainly attributed to the higher demand for currency in circulation due to the recent price hikes, which have been observed owing to the mild domestic demand growth. Inflation Report 2015-IV 71 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 5.2.11. Chart 5.2.12. Balance Sheet Decomposition of M3 Currency in Circulation and Current Consumption Spending* (Contributions to Annual M3 Growth) (Seasonally Adjusted) 4. Other 2. Private Sector Claims 2. Public Sector Claims 1. Net External Assets 1+2+3-4= M3 (annual percent change) 40 Current Consumption Spending (annual percent change) Currency in Circulation (annual percent change) Currency in Circulation (billion TL, right axis) 40 35 30 30 30 20 20 115 105 95 10 85 20 75 15 65 10 0 0 45 -10 5 -20 -20 0 0507 0907 0108 0508 0908 0109 0509 0909 0110 0510 0910 0111 0511 0911 0112 0512 0912 0113 0513 0913 0114 0514 0914 0115 0515 55 10 -10 Source: CBRT. 72 25 35 25 12341234123412341234123412341234 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 * Consumption spending includes private and public consumption excluding furniture, household appliances, transport and communication services at current prices. Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Box 5.1 The The Relationship between Loans and Private Savings Turkish economy grew more stable after the 2001 economic crisis thanks to a substantially smaller public debt stock as well as lower inflation and real interest rates on the back of the reform program. In the post-crisis period with higher stability, the private savings rate (private savings to GDP ratio) dropped notably, while households had easier access to loans, which thereby pushed consumer loans significantly higher (Charts 1 and 2). Chart 1. Savings to GDP Chart 2. New Loan Originations to GDP (Percent) (Percent) 30 Private Public Total 25 20 14 12 Mortgage Other Total 10 15 8 10 6 5 4 0 -10 0 Source: Ministry of Development. 1298 1099 0800 0601 0402 0203 1203 1004 0805 0606 0407 0208 1208 1009 0810 0611 0412 0213 1213 2 1298 0899 0400 1200 0801 0402 1202 0803 0404 1204 0805 0406 1206 0807 0408 1208 0809 0410 1210 0811 0412 1212 0813 0414 -5 Source: Banks Association of Turkey. This study analyzes the determinants of the private savings rate in Turkey by using quarterly data for the 1998-2014 period with a special focus on the impact of mortgages and other loan types on private savings. Even though the mortgage to GDP ratio is currently low, it is expected to increase with further credit expansion. Therefore, mortgages are likely to become more critical to the private savings rate in the following periods. The low savings rate in Turkey is a major obstacle to investments and growth. Concurrently, low savings rate is the main reason for the widening current account deficit. Due to the low domestic savings rate, investments and growth rely heavily on foreign capital, which is extremely volatile and sensitive to the income differences across countries. On the other hand, high capital inflows today may bear the risk to translate into higher capital outflows in the future. Thus, insufficiency of domestic capital and sensitivity to external borrowing may have a negative impact on economic growth over time. This signifies the importance of domestic savings for the robustness and the sustainability of growth. Mortgages have important implications for household savings. Before applying for a mortgage, households save the down payment; and after receiving the loan, they make regular payments, which help them to accumulate home equity. On the other hand, having access to a mortgage reduces the uncertainty about the most important buying decision (buying a house) that most households make in their lifetime. In the absence of a mortgage, households need to save to buy a house at an uncertain price and an uncertain date that will take place in the future. However, with mortgage, the price and monthly payments are determined upfront and therefore the uncertainty over how much the household needs to save to buy a house lessens, which can lead to a significant reduction in household savings. Inflation Report 2015-IV 73 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey The following model is estimated using the least squares estimation technique to analyze the effects of mortgage and non-mortgage loans as well as other relevant variables on private savings: 𝑔 ∆𝑃𝑆𝑡 = 𝛽1 ∆𝑃𝑆𝑡−1 + 𝛽2 𝑌𝑡 + 𝛽3 ∆𝐸𝑀𝐵𝐼𝑡 + 𝛽4 𝐼𝑁𝑇𝑡 + 𝛽5 𝑇𝑜𝑇𝑡 + 𝛽6 ∆𝐺𝑆𝑡 𝑓 𝑓 + 𝛽7 ∆𝑀𝐿𝑡 + 𝛽8 ∆𝑀𝐿𝑠𝑡 + 𝛽9 ∆𝑁𝑀𝐿𝑡 + 𝛽10 ∆𝐶𝐿𝑡 + 𝛽11 ∆𝑀𝐿𝑡 ∆𝑀𝐿𝑠𝑡 + 𝜀𝑡 Where 𝑃𝑆𝑡 is the current private savings rate, 𝑃𝑆𝑡−1 𝑔 is the lagged private savings rate, 𝑌𝑡 is the per capita real GDP growth, 𝐸𝑀𝐵𝐼𝑡 is the sovereign risk premium, 𝐼𝑁𝑇𝑡 is the real interest rate, 𝑇𝑜𝑇𝑡 is terms of trade, 𝑓 𝐺𝑆𝑡 is the public savings rate, 𝑀𝐿𝑡 is the ratio of new mortgage originations to GDP, 𝑀𝐿𝑠𝑡 is the ratio of outstanding mortgages to GDP, 𝑁𝑀𝐿𝑡 is the ratio of other consumer loan originations to GDP, 𝐶𝐿𝑡 is the ratio of commercial loans to GDP and ∆ is the lag operator.1 According to the results shown in Table 1, in the absence of mortgages and other loans, the significant explanatory variables are lagged savings rate and the sovereign risk premium (Models 1 and 4). However, in Models 2 and 5 where new mortgage originations are included, a 1-percent increase in new mortgage originations to the GDP ratio leads to a decline of more than 1 percent in the private savings rate. These results show that mortgage loans had a substantial effect on the private savings rate, especially after the 2001 crisis. Moreover, in a similar study conducted for the US, it was also found that mortgage payments brought private and household savings down significantly (Tunç and Yavaş, 2015b). According to Models 3 and 6, which include all the explanatory variables, the effect of new mortgage originations on the private savings rate remains unchanged, while other loans also have a statistically significant effect. A 1-percent increase in other consumer loans drives the private savings rate down by slightly more than 0.9 percent, whereas commercial loans have a positive effect on the private savings rate. Mortgages are mostly considered as an investment in home equity, while other consumer loans are generally taken for spending purposes. The higher negative effect of new mortgage originations on the private savings rate than other consumer loans is attributed to the ending of uncertainty about the biggest investment of households. However, the positive effect of commercial loans on the private savings rate can be ascribed to the fact that firms use part of the commercial loans to avoid fluctuations in investments and reduce the fixed costs paid for loans as well (Eisfeldt and Muir, 2014). The mortgage to GDP ratio is still relatively low for Turkey. Yet, assuming continued growth at the current pace, mortgages will require special focus due to their negative effect on the private savings rate. In fact, the negative and statistically significant relation of the interaction of new mortgage originations and outstanding mortgages with private savings rate indicates that new mortgages might have an added effect on savings with higher mortgage stock. These results also show how taxes and macroprudential measures are important in alleviating the effects of mortgages on the savings rate. Because of the high correlation between the current account deficit and the savings rate, the evidence based on the Turkish data seems to be valid for other countries running a current account deficit as well. 1 For further details, see Tunç and Yavaş (2015a). 74 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Table 1. Estimation Results Variables Model 1 Lagged Private Savings Rate 0.794*** (0.0943) 0.0856* (0.0491) 0.412*** (0.0837) Per Capita Real GDP Growth Sovereign Risk Premium Real Interest Rate Terms of Trade Public Savings Rate -0.0565 (0.0517) 0.00659 (0.0367) -0.229 (0.143) New Mortgage Originations 1998 - 2014 Model 2 0.477*** (0.0930) 0.0584 (0.0390) 0.348*** (0.0670) 0.0901** (0.0412) 0.00324 (0.0290) -0.325*** (0.114) -1.104*** (0.194) Outstanding Mortgages Other Consumer Loans Commercial Loans Model 3 Model 4 2002-2014 Model 5 Model 6 0.366*** (0.0834) 0.0746 (0.0451) 0.224*** (0.0629) 0.794*** (0.115) 0.0803 (0.0503) 0.380*** (0.135) 0.363*** (0.0922) 0.0451 (0.0328) 0.273*** (0.0883) 0.229** (0.0916) 0.0942** (0.0432) 0.265*** (0.0842) -0.0607 -0.0566 -0.103*** -0.0573 (0.0382) -0.0372 (0.0267) -0.391*** (0.113) -1.153*** (0.219) 0.103 (0.378) -0.955*** (0.210) 0.180*** (0.0538) (0.0578) -0.0359 (0.0598) -0.232 (0.171) (0.0378) -0.0986** (0.0394) -0.447*** (0.113) -1.340*** (0.171) (0.0388) -0.0936** (0.0366) -0.622*** (0.129) -1.275*** (0.198) 0.168 (0.333) -0.938*** (0.254) 0.129** (0.0588) New Mortgage Originations* Outstanding Mortgages Number of Observations R2 58 0.858 58 0.913 -0.422 -0.447* (0.256) (0.222) 58 0.943 49 0.861 49 0.943 49 0.960 *, **, and *** denote significance at 10 percent, 5 percent and 1 percent, respectively. Standard errors are in parentheses. REFERENCES Eisfeldt, A. and T. Muir, 2014, Aggregate Issuance and Saving Waves, NBER Working Paper No. 20442. Tunç, C. and A. Yavaş, 2015a, Not All Credit is Created Equal: Housing vs Non-Housing Debt and Private Saving Rate in Turkey, CBRT Working Paper No. 15/24. , 2015b, Collateral Damage: How Mortgages Decrease U.S. Savings, work in progress. Inflation Report 2015-IV 75 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Box The Relationship of Consumer and Commercial Loans with the Current Account 5.2 Deficit: Evidence for Turkey and Other Countries Loans are one of the key variables that should be closely monitored for financial stability. Given the assumed relation between loans and economic activity, loans are also critical to monetary policy via their effects on inflation and demand management. Furthermore, loans are related to the overall macroeconomic environment through their effects on the current account balance. In this regard, Ekinci et al. (2015) show that loan growth is highly correlated with the current account balance, especially in emerging economies, and acceleration in loan growth might deteriorate the current account balance. Besides the fact that loans have an impact on the current account balance, how this relation differs by loan type (consumer and commercial loans) is a crucial question that may have policy implications. Analyzing how consumer and commercial loans are linked to the current account deficit in Turkey reveals that both loans move on par with the current account deficit; yet, the correlation between consumer loans and the current account deficit appears more significant lately (Charts 1 and 2). Chart 1. Current Account Deficit and Consumer Loan Growth Chart 2. Current Account Deficit and Commercial Loan Growth (6-Month Moving Average, Percent of GDP) (6-Month Moving Average, Percent of GDP) 12 5 Current Account Deficit Consumer Loan Growth (right axis) 10 4 12 13 Current Account Deficit 12 11 Commercial Loan Growth (right axis) 10 10 9 8 8 8 3 7 6 6 6 2 5 4 4 1 2 4 3 2 2 1 0715 0714 0713 0712 0711 0710 0709 0708 0707 0706 0 0705 0 0704 0715 0714 0713 0712 0711 0710 0709 0708 0707 0706 0705 0 0704 0 Source: BRSA, TURKSTAT, CBRT. The relation between loans and the current account deficit may vary by loan type due to various reasons. First, a rise in consumer loans may increase consumer demand, which may also cause higher demand for imported goods, thereby worsening the current account deficit. Also, when the supply capacity of an economy is constant, the financing of a demand increase by consumer loans may trigger an overall price hike. This may cause a real appreciation in the local currency, which may function as an additional channel to widen the current account deficit. Conversely, commercial loans may have different effects on the current account deficit than consumer loans. In other words, the use of commercial loans to finance firms’ imported inputs may expand the current account deficit, while a simultaneous output growth may limit the widening of the current account deficit assuming no deterioration in the production structure in favor of imported inputs. Moreover, the use of commercial loans in investments may first widen the current account deficit due to partial reliance on external funds and/or utilizing imported inputs in investment. However, the subsequent growth in output capacity will curb the widening of the current account deficit by supporting supply. Besides, increased output capacity may also promote exports, which will reduce the current account deficit. In case firms’ loan constraints are binding for exports, a rise in commercial loans may directly cause lower current account deficit through growth in exports. 76 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey The Turkish Evidence Table 1 summarizes the results of a simple regression analysis based on quarterly data over the 2003Q22015Q2 period for Turkey.2 According to the results, the GDP growth stands out as an important explanatory variable for the current account balance. Moreover, the real exchange rate has a significant effect on the current account deficit excluding energy and gold. The change in total loans to the GDP, which is included in columns 2 and 6, is also found to be statistically significant with negative effects on the current account balance. In addition to consumer loans, commercial loans are added to equations in columns 3 and 7, while commercial loan share is included in columns 4 and 8 in order to handle the multicollinearity problem that would possibly arise from the high correlation of these two loan types. Accordingly, the current account balance seems to be related to loans mostly via consumer loans. In other words, an increase in consumer loans has a statistically significant negative effect on the current account deficit, whereas an increase in commercial loans has no significant effect on the current account balance. Table 1. Relationship between Loan Growth and Current Account Deficit in Turkey Current Account Deficit/GDP Current Account Deficit/GDP (-1) GDP Growth Real Effective Exchange Rate (-1) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 0.810*** 0.661*** 0.625*** 0.591*** 0.729*** 0.609*** 0.613*** 0.627*** (0.072) (0.081) (0.085) (0.101) (0.142) (0.169) (0.152) (0.162) -0.259*** -0.263*** -0.212*** -0.194*** -0.136*** -0.157*** -0.163*** -0.119*** (0.091) (0.074) (0.073) (0.071) (0.040) (0.037) (0.047) (0.034) -0.023 -0.027 -0.009 0.005 -0.030* -0.036** -0.038* -0.026 (0.022) (0.022) (0.028) (0.026) (0.015) (0.016) (0.022) (0.016) -0.107*** Change in Total Loans/GDP (-1) -0.055** (0.038) Change in Commercial Loans/GDP (-1) Change in Consumer Loans/GDP (-1) (0.025) -0.040 -0.067 (0.067) (0.051) -0.423* -0.543*** -0.024 -0.226** (0.231) (0.168) (0.161) (0.094) Share of Commercial Loans (-1) Constant Current Account Deficit (excl. energy and gold)/GDP 0.034 -0.016 (0.054) (0.026) 1.713 2.331 0.208 -3.902 3.298* 4.452** 4.708* 4.415* (2.497) (2.431) (3.093) (5.851) (1.638) (1.849) (2.481) (2.585) Number of Observations 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 48 R2 0.71 0.75 0.76 0.76 0.68 0.71 0.71 0.70 *, **, and *** denote significance at 10 percent, 5 percent and 1 percent, respectively. Standard errors are in parentheses. (-1) denotes lagged value of the respective variable. The fact that the effects of consumer and commercial loans on the current account deficit are different also entails informative value regarding the measures to be taken for the current account balance. The findings suggest that controlling total loan growth mostly by limiting consumer loans may improve the current account balance. Accordingly, the decelerating consumer loans and robust commercial loans, which are backed by the liquidity policies adopted by the CBRT and the macroprudential measures enforced by the BRSA to limit consumer loans are assessed to have a positive impact on the current account balance. 2 For further details, see Box 5.2, Inflation Report 2014-III and Alioğulları et al. (2015a). Inflation Report 2015-IV 77 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey International Findings There are only a few studies in the literature, which examine the relationship between loan composition and the current account deficit. Coricelli et al. (2006) analyze the macroeconomic effects of consumer loans at quarterly and monthly frequencies for seven European countries including Turkey over the 19992004 period. Accordingly, the study finds that consumer loans have a statistically significant negative impact on the external balance in Turkey, while commercial loans improve the external balance. Büyükkarabacak and Krause (2009) analyze the relationship between loan composition and the trade balance for 18 emerging economies including Turkey over the 1987-2005 period and conclude that consumer loans worsen the trade balance while commercial loans have a positive effect. In order to represent the loan variable, the authors use stock data of loans over the GDP, which may be problematic as the external trade balance is a flow variable. Hence, this study prefers to construct an alternative measure, which is a flow variable. Accordingly, the change in loan stock to the GDP ratio is used to analyze the relation between loan growth and the current account deficit. In fact, by using the changes in the loan stock to the GDP, Mian et al. (2015) analyze the macroeconomic effects of consumer loans for a large group of countries and find that an increase in consumer loans weakens economic growth; raises unemployment; and deteriorates the external trade balance. To take a closer look at the relationship of loan composition with the current account deficit on an international scale, BIS data are employed on annual consumer and commercial loans for the 1990-2013 period.3 Chart 3 presents international evidence on the relationship between loan growth and the current account deficit. Chart 3. International Evidence on the Relation between Loan Growth and Current Account Deficit Source: BIS, IMF. Table 2 shows the results of the analysis. Accordingly, consumer loans have a statistically significant negative effect on the current account balance, which is also economically meaningful. Commercial loans, on the other hand, are insignificant in some specifications, while they are observed to have a positively significant effect in some others. These findings are consistent with previous results pertaining to other countries and the above evidence presented for Turkey. Countries included in the dataset are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Norway, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Thailand, Turkey, UK and USA. For further details, see Alioğulları et al. (2015b). 3 78 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Table 2. The Dynamic GMM Estimation Results of the International Evidence on the Relationship between Loan Growth and Current Account Deficit Current Account Deficit/GDP Lagged Value of the Current Account Deficit/GDP GDP Growth Real Effective Exchange Rate Change in Consumer Loans/GDP Change in Commercial Loans/GDP (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) 0.47*** 0.44*** 0.43*** 0.43*** 0.32*** (0.078) (0.050) (0.075) (0.075) (0.076) -0.043 -0.088** -0.087** -0.032 0.030 (0.037) (0.042) (0.043) (0.047) (0.057) -0.036** -0.039*** -0.038** -0.025 -0.030* (0.015) (0.015) (0.015) (0.016) (0.016) -0.256*** (0.052) -0.238*** (0.066) -0.245*** (0.068) -0.248*** (0.076) -0.164*** (0.079) 0.015 (0.011) 0.031*** (0.012) 0.033*** (0.012) 0.033*** (0.011) 0.008 (0.032) 0.067*** (0.024) 0.062** (0.025) 0.068*** (0.026) 0.045* (0.025) 0.130* (0.076) 0.131* (0.078) 0.071 (0.078) 0.021 0.011 (0.015) (0.015) Terms of Trade Volatility in Terms of Trade Change in Gross Government Debt/GDP Real Interest Rates Number of Observations 0.099 (0.065) 613 339 319 306 206 *, **, and *** denote significance at 10 percent, 5 percent and 1 percent, respectively. Standard errors are in parentheses. In conclusion, both the Turkish case and the international evidence suggest a significant relationship between consumer loans and the current account balance. Accordingly, an increase in the change in consumer loans to the GDP ratio drives the current account deficit higher. These results highlight the importance of the CBRT’s framework, which has been in effect since end-2010 to observe financial stability, and the macroprudential measures adopted by the BRSA in bringing loan growth to reasonable levels and changing the loan composition in favor of the current account balance. REFERENCES Alioğulları, Z.H., Y.S. Başkaya, Y.E. Bulut and M. Kılınç, 2015a, The Relationship of Consumer and Commercial loans with Current Account Deficit in Turkey, CBT Research Notes in Economics No. 15/19. , 2015b, Loan Composition and Current Account Balance: International Evidence, work in progress. Büyükkarabacak, B. and S. Krause, 2009, Studying the effects of household and firm loan on the trade balance: The composition of funds matters, Economic Inquiry, 47(4): 653–666. Coricelli, F., F. Mucci and D. Revoltella, 2006, Household Loan in the New Europe: Lending Boom or Sustainable Growth?, CEPR Discussion Papers No. 5520. Ekinci, M.F., F.P. Erdem and Z. Kılınç, 2015, Loan Growth, Current Account and Financial Depth, Applied Economics, 47(17): 1809–1821. Mian, A.R., A. Sufi and E. Verner, 2015, Household Debt and Business Cycles Worldwide, NBER Working Paper No. 21581. Inflation Report 2015-IV 79 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey 80 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey 6. Public Finance In the first three quarters of 2015, the central government primary surplus posted a year-on-year increase, while the central government budget deficit edged slightly higher due to the relative upsurge in interest expenditures. Primary expenditures maintained the sharp uptrend of the recent years, while tax revenues performed better than expected and hovered above the target. In particular, indirect tax revenues such as SCT and VAT increased at a faster pace. The MTP covering the 2016-2018 period has been announced. The MTP states that the fiscal policy will be implemented to support economic stability, to enhance growth potential, to reduce the current account deficit by increasing domestic savings and to contribute to price stability. To ensure that the fiscal policy helps achieve these goals, the budget will be allowed to become more flexible and the public savings-investment gap will be gradually narrowed by curbing the rate of increase in public spending and the public sector borrowing requirement. Moreover, public spending on infrastructure investments, trainings and R&D will be prioritized in order to support economic growth. Meanwhile, it is underlined that the quality of public revenues will be improved and therefore nonrecurring revenues will no longer be used to finance policies that permanently raise the level of public spending in the medium to long term. Thus, tight fiscal standards are expected to help maintain fiscal discipline and bring the debt stock to GDP ratio further down gradually over the MTP period (Table 6.1). This fiscal adjustment is likely to be achieved by controlling the rate of increase in primary expenditures, and accordingly, the tax revenues to GDP ratio will edge down over time. In 2015, the central government budget deficit to GDP is estimated to remain unchanged yearon-year at 1.3 percent (Table 6.1). As evidenced by the MTP projections for realizations, public spending was significantly higher than the target in 2015. However, thanks to the strong performance of tax revenues, the budget deficit is expected to deviate only marginally. Table 6.1. Central Government and General Government Budget Balance (Percent of GDP) 2014 2015* 2016** 2017** 2018** 25.6 26.1 25.3 24.7 23.9 Primary Expenditures 22.8 23.3 22.7 22.2 21.5 Interest Expenditures 2.9 2.8 2.6 2.5 2.4 24.3 24.8 24.5 24.0 23.5 Tax Revenues 20.1 21.1 20.7 20.6 20.5 Other Revenues 4.2 3.8 3.8 3.4 3.0 Budget Balance -1.3 -1.3 -0.7 -0.6 -0.4 Primary Balance General Government Budget Balance General Government Primary Balance 1.5 1.5 1.8 1.9 2.0 -0.6 0.0 -0.1 -0.2 0.0 2.3 2.9 2.5 2.4 2.5 EU-Defined Nominal Debt Stock 33.5 34.0 32.8 31.3 30.0 Expenditures Revenues * Forecast. ** MTP. Source: MTP (2016-2018). Inflation Report 2015-IV 81 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey 6.1. Budget Developments During January-September 2015, the central government budget balance registered a deficit of 13.5 billion TL while the primary budget balance had 31.3 billion TL in surplus (Table 6.1.1). The central government primary balance recorded an increasing surplus whereas the central government budget balance posted a slightly higher deficit due to the relatively faster rise in interest expenditures in the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same period of the previous year. Table 6.1.1. Central Government Budget Aggregates (Billion TL) 2014 JanuarySeptember 2015 JanuarySeptember Rate of Increase (Percent) Actual/Target (Percent) 325.4 367.7 13.0 77.7 38.3 44.8 17.0 82.9 Primary Expenditures Central Government Budget Revenues I. Tax Revenues 287.2 322.9 12.4 77.1 313.5 354.2 13.0 78.4 258.7 298.3 15.3 76.6 II. Non-Tax Revenues 42.8 42.2 -1.6 81.9 Budget Balance -11.9 -13.5 - - Primary Balance 26.3 31.3 18.8 94.8 Central Government Budget Expenditures Interest Expenditures Source: Ministry of Finance. The central government budget deficit to the GDP ratio, which rose slightly in 2014, is estimated to hit 1.3 percent in the third quarter of 2015, remaining unchanged from the end-2014 level (Chart 6.1.1). Meanwhile, the primary budget surplus to the GDP ratio assumed an upward course and reached 2 percent at end-2013, after declining to 1.1 percent in the third quarter of 2012. This ratio dropped to 1.6 percent in 2014 and is estimated to rise to 1.7 percent in the third quarter of 2015. Chart 6.1.1. Chart 6.1.2. Central Government Budget Balance Central Government Budget Revenues and Primary Expenditures (Annualized, Percent of GDP) (Annualized, Percent of GDP) Budget Balance 3 Primary Balance 3 1 Budget Revenues 26 Primary Expenditures 26 24 24 22 22 20 20 18 18 16 16 1 -1 -1 -3 -3 -5 -5 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3* 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 14 14 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3* 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 * Forecast. Source: Ministry of Finance. Having surged since 2012 and reaching 22.8 percent at end-2013, the central government primary expenditures to GDP ratio hit 23.1 percent in the third quarter of 2014, which is the highest level recorded since 2008. This ratio fell slightly to 22.8 percent in the last quarter of 2014 and is expected to creep up to 23.1 percent in the third quarter of 2015 (Chart 6.1.2). On the other hand, the central government budget revenues to GDP ratio increased upon the relatively robust economic activity as 82 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey well as tax adjustments in September 2012 and January 2013, reaching 24.8 percent at end-2013. This ratio dropped to 24.3 percent in 2014, mainly due to slowing tax revenues based on domestic demand, and is estimated to go up to 24.8 percent in the third quarter of 2015. Trending upwards since the second half of 2012, the central government primary budget expenditures remained on the rise in the first nine months of 2015. Accordingly, the central government primary budget expenditures registered a year-on-year increase of 12.4 percent during JanuarySeptember 2015 (Table 6.1.2). Table 6.1.2. Central Government Primary Expenditures (Billion TL) Primary Expenditures 1. Personnel Expenditures 2. Government Premiums to SSI 3. Purchases of Goods and Services 4. Current Transfers a) Duty Losses b) Health, Pension and Social Benefits c) Agricultural Support d) Reserved Share Revenues 5. Capital Expenditures 6. Capital Transfers 7. Lending 2014 JanuarySeptember 287.2 84.4 14.1 24.6 125.0 2.0 62.3 7.8 35.1 27.0 4.3 7.8 2015 JanuarySeptember 322.9 95.0 15.5 28.4 138.8 3.0 63.3 8.4 41.6 29.9 5.6 9.7 Rate of Increase (Percent) 12.4 12.6 9.9 15.3 11.1 50.2 1.6 8.4 18.6 10.8 30.1 23.6 Actual/Target (Percent) 77.1 79.8 76.3 69.0 78.7 67.4 78.5 84.4 76.5 73.1 81.7 91.8 Source: Ministry of Finance. In the first nine months of 2015, purchases of goods and services as well as personnel expenditures, which are major items in primary expenditures, registered an increase of 15.3 and 12.6 percent, respectively, while current transfers were only up by 11.1 percent. The relatively limited rise in current transfers was caused by the mere increase by 1.6 percent in health, pension and social benefit expenditures. The shares reserved for other public institutions and enterprises from the central government revenues recorded a striking upswing of 18.6 percent, owing not only to the high central government tax revenue performance in the first nine months of 2015, but also to the termination of deductions made for debts of local administrations. Capital expenditures rose upon the rise in highway construction expenditures, while capital transfers increased notably due to capital transfers to special provincial administrations. The upsurge by 23.6 percent in lending resulted from the rise in loans extended to SEEs. During January-September 2015, the central government general budget revenues recorded a year-on-year increase of 12.9 percent (Table 6.1.3). In this period, tax revenues performed strongly and rose by 15.3 percent, while non-tax revenues dropped slightly. A closer scrutiny of tax revenues reveals that the collection of consumption-based taxes and the income tax recorded a year-on-year upsurge in the first nine months of 2015. Meanwhile, corporate tax revenues hardly increased because of the weaker profitability of corporations and institutions. As income tax revenues are largely provided through withholding taxes on salaries and wages, the high increase in minimum wages in 2015 improved the collection of income taxes. Among consumption-based taxes, revenues from SCT, domestic VAT and VAT on imports recorded an uptick by 18.5, 17.8 and 13.4 percent, respectively. The details of SCT revenues show a jump of 45.2 percent in tax revenues on motor vehicles. The increase in the collection of taxes on petroleum and natural gas products, which account for a large share of total SCT revenues, remained relatively low at 11.9 percent. Inflation Report 2015-IV 83 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Table 6.1.3. Central Government General Budget Revenues (Billion TL) General Budget Revenues I-Tax Revenues Income Tax Corporate Tax Domestic VAT SCT VAT on Imports II-Non-Tax Revenues Enterprises and Property Revenues Interests, Shares and Fines Capital Revenues 2014 JanuarySeptember 2015 JanuarySeptember Rate of Increase (Percent) Actual/Target (Percent) 301.5 258.7 53.2 24.1 29.3 65.4 47.1 42.8 11.4 22.1 6.8 340.4 298.3 61.9 24.5 34.5 77.4 53.4 42.2 13.2 19.7 7.2 12.9 15.3 16.5 1.5 17.8 18.5 13.4 -1.6 15.2 -10.6 6.2 77.f.,2 76.6 75.2 67.8 78.0 82.4 71.1 81.9 138.8 68.4 68.9 Source: Ministry of Finance. The unchanged performance of non-tax revenues on an annual basis is mainly attributed to the base effect generated by the one-time inclusion of 3 billion TL in the budget in March 2014 from the special provincial administrations, which were annulled by Law No. 6360. On the other hand, privatization revenues, which had been 5.3 billion TL in the first nine months of 2014, amounted to 6.1 billion TL in the same period of 2015. Having turned positive amid tax rate hikes in September 2012 as well as the base effect, the annual rate of change in real tax revenues started to slacken in the third quarter of 2013, and real tax revenues remained unchanged year-on-year in the last quarter of 2014. Yet, real tax revenues posted a yearly increase of 6.7 percent in the third quarter of 2015 (Chart 6.1.3). The analysis of this increase by sub-items suggests that revenues from domestic VAT, SCT and VAT on imports, which are counted among consumption-based taxes, surged by 19.5, 9.3 and 3 percent in real terms, respectively (Chart 6.1.4). Chart 6.1.3. Chart 6.1.4. Real Tax Revenues Real VAT and SCT Revenues (Annual Percent Change) (Annual Percent Change) Real Domestic VAT Revenues Real SCT Revenues Real VAT Revenues on Imports 25 25 50 50 20 20 40 40 15 15 30 30 10 10 20 20 5 6.7 5 10 10 0 0 0 0 -5 -5 -10 -10 -20 -10 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 -10 -20 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Source: Ministry of Finance. 84 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey 6.2. Developments in the Public Debt Stock The central government debt stock reached 689.8 billion TL in September 2015 (Chart 6.2.1). In the first half of the year, the ratio of the total public net debt stock to GDP decreased by 2.2 points from end-2014, while the EU-defined general government nominal debt stock to GDP ratio remained virtually unchanged (Chart 6.2.1). Chart 6.2.1. Chart 6.2.2. Public Debt Stock Indicators Composition of the Central Government Debt Stock* (Percent) Total Public Net Debt Stock (Percent of GDP) Central Government Total Debt Stock (Billion TL, right axis) 80 Fixed-Rate 800 Floating-Rate FX-Denominated/FX-Indexed 100 100 32.2 689.8 80 80 600 40 29.4 33.7 60 400 60 26.4 60 36.5 EU-Defined General Government Nominal Debt Stock (Percent of GDP) 0 2005 2007 2009 2011 20 0 0 2003 38.4 200 8.5 20 40 37.1 40 0 2001 2013 2015/6 20 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015/9 * FX-Denominated/FX-Indexed debt stock includes external debt stock and FX-denominated and FX-indexed domestic debt stock. Source: Treasury. Source: Treasury. The share of fixed-rate securities in the total debt stock was slightly down from 2014 (Chart 6.2.2). With respect to the interest rate structure of domestic borrowing, the share of fixed-rate borrowing increased annually in the first eight months of 2015. Meanwhile, the ratio of public deposits to average monthly debt service stands at 313.9 percent. The average term-to-maturity of the domestic debt stock equaled 56 months (Chart 6.2.3). External borrowing by bond issues amounted to 3 billion USD, with an average maturity of 19.7 years (Chart 6.2.4). Chart 6.2.3. Chart 6.2.4. Average Maturity of the Domestic Cash Borrowing and Term-to-Maturity of the Domestic Debt Stock Borrowing By Bond Issue (Month) External Borrowing (billion USD, right axis) Average Maturity of Domestic Debt Stock Average Maturity of External Borrowing (year) Average Maturity of Domestic Cash Borrowing 80 72.9 70 56.0 60 50 80 35 70 30 60 Maximum Maturity of External Borrowing (year) 8 7 6 25 50 5 20 40 40 30 30 4 15 2014 1 0 2015/9 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2 2003 2015/9 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 0 2002 0 2001 10 0 2000 10 5 2002 20 2001 20 3 10 Source: Treasury. Inflation Report 2015-IV 85 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey The domestic debt rollover ratio ended August 2015 at 86.9 percent (Chart 6.2.5). The average real interest rate1 has been on the rise since early 2015 (Chart 6.2.6). Chart 6.2.5. Chart 6.2.6. Total Domestic Debt Rollover Ratio Average Maturity and Interest Rates of Borrowing at Discount Auctions (Percent) Maturity (day) Average Compounded Interest Rate (right axis) 110 700 100 90 86.9 Real Interest Rate (right axis) 30 600 25 500 20 400 15 300 10 200 5 100 0 80 81.5 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015/8 -5 1203 0604 1204 0605 1205 0606 1206 0607 1207 0608 1208 0609 1209 0610 1210 0611 1211 0612 1212 0613 1213 0614 1214 0615 0 70 Source: Treasury, CBRT. Real interest rates are calculated by subtracting the 12-month-ahead inflation expectations of the CBRT Survey of Expectations from nominal interest rates (average annual compounded interest rate at the Treasury’s TL-denominated zero-coupon securities auction). 1 86 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Box Public Debt Stock and Budget Deficit Developments: An International Comparison 6.1 Fiscal balances improved substantially in the Turkish economy with the uninterrupted implementation of a tight fiscal policy on the back of structural reforms and measures for fiscal discipline introduced in the aftermath of the crisis in February 2001. Having hovered at around 12 percent in 2001, the general government budget deficit to GDP ratio fell below the Maastricht criterion of 3 percent in 2005 with tightened fiscal policy, and even reached positive values in 2006, thus yielding a surplus (Chart 1). Likewise, the public debt stock to GDP ratio dropped below the Maastricht criterion of 60 percent in 2004, down from 78 percent in 2001, and remained on the decline in the following years (Chart 2). Chart 1. General Government Budget Deficit Chart 2. Public Debt Stock (Percent of GDP) (Percent of GDP) -12 80 -9 60 -6 40 -3 20 0 0 3 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 Source: Ministry of Development. Thanks 2001 2013 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 Source: Treasury. to the favorable fiscal performance, the borrowing cost of the Treasury has dropped markedly starting from end-2003 (Chart 3) and the maturity of borrowing began to extend significantly (Chart 4). Following the dramatic fall in the public debt stock to GDP ratio, the debt sustainability issue, one of the most fundamental items in the economic itineraries of the post-2001 period, has been off the agenda as of 2005. Chart 3. Real Interest Rates Chart 4. Average Maturity of Borrowing (2-Year Treasury Bond Rates) (Day) 700 40 36 600 32 28 500 24 400 20 16 300 12 8 200 4 100 Source: BIST, CBRT. Inflation Report 2015-IV 0115 0114 0113 0112 0111 0110 0109 0108 0107 0106 0105 0104 0103 0102 -4 0 0801 0402 1202 0803 0404 1204 0805 0406 1206 0807 0408 1208 0809 0410 1210 0811 0412 1212 0813 0414 1214 0815 0 Source: Treasury. 87 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey The comprehensive fiscal stimulus packages and financial relief program implemented in 2009 against the adverse effects of the global crisis caused public deficit and debt stock to soar globally, particularly across advanced economies. In addition, the crisis-led economic contraction caused tax revenues to fall, accelerating the rise in budget deficits. In line with the global fiscal trends, budget deficit and debt stock to GDP ratio also increased notably in Turkey in 2009. In the subsequent years, however, the gradual withdrawal of fiscal incentives, collection of higher tax revenues on the back of the robust economic recovery and steps taken to promote budget discipline helped improve fiscal balances (Charts 1 and 2), causing domestic borrowing rates to drop dramatically and the maturity of borrowing to re-settle on an upward track (Charts 3 and 4). The lower output capacity and reduced tax revenues during the global crisis had negative repercussions on budget balances across emerging economies, including Turkey. The ratio of budget deficit to GDP adjusted for purchasing power parity in such economies climbed to 5 percent in 2009 from almost zero in 2007 (IMF, 2010). Yet, the fact that the emerging economies had relatively lower budget deficit and debt stock at the onset of the crisis and that they adopted less comprehensive fiscal stimulus packages afterwards had a major impact on their fiscal performance. Accordingly, emerging economies saw their budget balances recover more rapidly during the post-crisis period, also given their relatively faster rebound. On the fiscal balances front, Turkey performed much stronger than other emerging market economies, particularly after the global crisis, owing to the sustained fiscal discipline. According to IMF forecasts, Turkey’s general government budget balance to GDP ratio and general government primary balance to GDP ratio are expected to be -1.4 percent (Chart 5) and 1.4 percent (Chart 6), respectively, in 2015. Both ratios are notably better than those for other emerging economies. Chart 5. 2015 Forecasts for General Government Budget Balance Chart 6. 2015 Forecasts for General Government Primary Balance (Percent of GDP) -8 (Percent of GDP) -7 2 1 -6 0 -5 -4 -1 -3 -2 -2 -3 Philippines Turkey Peru Romania China Thailand Chile Indonesia Hungary Poland Colombia Malaysia Russia Argentina Mexico South Africa Ukraine Croatia Brazil India 0 -4 Philippines Turkey Brazil Ukraine Hungary Colombia Romania Peru Poland Croatia Indonesia South Africa Thailand China Mexico Malaysia Argentina Chile India Russia -1 Source: IMF Fiscal Monitor, April 2015. Similarly, the IMF also estimates that Turkey’s public debt stock to GDP ratio and gross financing need2 to GDP ratio will amount to 33.4 percent (Chart 7) and 5.7 percent (Chart 8), respectively, in 2015. Both ratios, which are critical for macroeconomic stability, appear significantly lower than the averages of emerging economies. Gross financing need for a certain year is the sum of the public borrowing requirement (general government budget deficit) and the maturing government debt of that year. 2 88 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 7. 2015 Forecasts for Public Debt Stock Chart 8. 2015 Forecasts for Public Financing Needs (Percent of GDP) 100 (Percent of GDP) 25 80 20 60 15 40 10 20 5 Chile Russia Peru Indonesia Turkey Philippines Romania Colombia China South Africa Thailand Poland Argentina Mexico Malaysia India Brazil Hungary Croatia Ukraine Peru Chile Indonesia China Russia Turkey Colombia Philippines Romania Malaysia Thailand Mexico Poland Argentina India South Africa Brazil Ukraine Croatia Hungary 0 0 Source: IMF Fiscal Monitor, April 2015. Turkey’s relatively higher current account deficit and the recent uncertainties surrounding international financial markets caused CDS premiums to rise across all emerging economies, including Turkey (Charts 9 and 10). The CBRT’s new monetary policy framework, which has been in effect since end-2010 to observe both price stability and financial stability, has been effective in restraining macrofinancial risks as well as improving the current account. Likewise, macroprudential measures adopted by the BRSA contributed largely to these efforts. Along with the cautious fiscal stance, the implementation of the new monetary policy framework and the adoption of macroprudential policies have strengthened Turkey’s resilience against external uncertainties. Chart 9. 2015 Forecasts for Current Account Balance (Percent of GDP) Chart 10. Selected CDS Rates (5-year, Basis Points) 6 400 4 350 Brazil Turkey South Africa China Mexico Poland Malaysia 300 2 250 0 200 -2 150 -4 100 Source: WEO, April 2015. In 50 0615 0115 0814 0314 1013 0513 1212 0712 0212 0911 0411 1110 0610 0 0110 Colombia South Africa Peru Turkey Brazil Indonesia Mexico Poland Argentina Ukraine India Chile Romania Malaysia Croatia China Thailand Hungary Russia Philippines -6 Source: Bloomberg. conclusion, compared to its peers in other emerging economies, Turkey exhibits a favorable fiscal performance and has a relatively larger room for maneuvering fiscal policies, which may discretionarily be implemented to restore macroeconomic stability. Together with the robustness of the financial system, this Inflation Report 2015-IV 89 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey has been one of the major drivers of Turkey’s improvement in relative riskiness and the decline in real rates during and after the global crisis. It is crucial to maintain and strengthen these fiscal achievements in the current environment of elevated downside risks on capital flows to emerging economies fueled by declining global risk appetite amid heightened uncertainties over global financial markets. Any measure that would ensure the sustainability of fiscal discipline and reduce the savings deficit will support macroeconomic stability and contribute positively to social welfare by keeping long‐term interest rates at low levels. REFERENCES IMF, 2010, Fiscal Monitor, May. , 2015a, Fiscal Monitor, April. , 2015b, WEO, April. 90 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey 7. Medium-Term Forecasts This chapter summarizes the underlying forecast assumptions and presents the medium-term inflation and output gap forecasts as well as the monetary policy outlook for the upcoming 3-year horizon. 7.1. Current State, Short-Term Outlook and Assumptions Financial Conditions The environment of uncertainty, which dominated the global financial markets throughout 2015, led to volatility in the third quarter as well. Signs of slowdown in emerging economies spurred by the adverse outlook in China along with the perceived vagueness regarding the Fed’s future monetary policy stood out as the prominent causes of the volatility in markets. In the first half of the third quarter, financial markets were mostly driven by expectations of a policy rate hike by the Fed; while following the FOMC meeting in September, markets pushed policy rate hike expectations into spring 2016. Against these developments accompanied by the policy rate cut by the People’s Bank of China in late August, the tumbling global risk appetite in the third quarter reversed through the end of the quarter. Amid the subdued global risk appetite and rising sovereign risk premiums, currencies of emerging economies have depreciated against the US dollar since the July Inflation Report; however, these losses were partially taken back thanks to the recent rebound in the global risk appetite. In the third quarter, external developments in addition to internal uncertainties and geopolitical developments also led to deterioration in the financial market indicators in Turkey. The Turkish lira depreciated on par with the currencies of other emerging economies, and market rates particularly longer than one year registered an increase. Amid the developments in loan standards and rates, the FCI got remarkably tighter in the third quarter. Meanwhile, the CBRT maintained its tight monetary policy stance. The share of marginal funding rose gradually within the CBRT funding and the average funding rate was increased above the previous Report’s readings. On the other hand, remuneration of TL reserve requirements by the CBRT was raised in September, which constituted an improving step for the loans-to-deposits ratio of the banking sector. Inflation Amid developments in food and core goods prices, annual consumer inflation posted a quarteron-quarter increase by around 0.75 points in the third quarter of 2015 and rose to 7.95 percent, remaining above projections of the July Inflation Report. Despite the improvement in the second quarter, unprocessed food prices accelerated in the third quarter and remained higher than implied by the July Inflation Report’s assumptions. Moreover, the ongoing depreciation of the Turkish lira not only pushed the core goods inflation up, but also limited the positive effects of the decline in international oil prices and import prices on domestic prices in the third quarter. However, the mild outlook in aggregate demand conditions limited the pass-through of the depreciation in the Turkish lira to non-energy items. Services inflation posted a slight fall due mostly to the base effect, yet inflation Inflation Report 2015-IV 91 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey increased in subcategories sensitive to food prices and the exchange rate. Against this background, the underlying trend of inflation remained above target-consistent levels despite a slight improvement in quarterly terms. Demand Conditions In the second quarter of 2015, economic activity followed a stronger course than envisioned in the July Inflation Report. The GDP rose by 3.8 percent year-on-year in the second quarter, which is mostly attributed to the industrial value added. Accordingly, the output gap was revised slightly upwards for the second quarter of 2015 (Table 7.1.1 and Chart 7.2.3). On the expenditures side, quarterly growth was mostly fed by private investments, while consumption demand followed a moderate course. The contribution of net exports to growth proved negative in the second quarter. Third-quarter data suggest that the final domestic demand may add less to growth. In fact, the weak consumer confidence and tighter financial conditions curbed the production and imports of consumption goods in the July-August period, and sales of automobiles fell in the third quarter. Investor confidence remained sluggish, yet improved slightly in the third quarter. Accordingly, production of machinery and equipment posted a quarterly increase during July and August, whereas imports thereof registered a decline. Thus, the output gap is assessed to have a downside effect on inflation in the third quarter. Chart 7.1.1. Export-Weighted Global Economic Activity Index* (2008Q2=100) 114 112 October 2015 July 2015 114 112 110 108 108 106 106 104 104 102 102 100 100 1211 0312 0612 0912 1212 0313 0613 0913 1213 0314 0614 0914 1214 0315 0615 0915 1215 0316 0616 0916 1216 110 * For methodology, see Box 2.1, Inflation Report 2010-II. Source: Bloomberg, Consensus Forecasts, CBRT. The slowdown in global economy coupled with geopolitical developments pulled down exports of goods and services in the second quarter. The third quarter was also marked by downward risks to external demand due to geopolitical developments and vagueness regarding the monetary policies of advanced economies. In fact, the annual growth rate of export-weighted global production index revised by September forecasts posted a limited decline compared to the July Inflation Report (Chart 7.1.1). Meanwhile, an evaluation of non-gold quantity indices, which are better indicators of external trade, reveals that the export quantity index excluding gold increased in the second quarter and August. Moreover, the rising demand from EU members affects Turkey’s exports positively. Against this background, the growth composition is expected to shift gradually in favor of net exports in the upcoming period. 92 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Oil, Import and Food Prices The fall in international commodity prices, especially energy, continued into the third quarter. Mostly backed by the slack in China and other emerging countries, this downtrend caused import prices in Turkey to decline in USD terms. Therefore, assumptions for crude oil prices and USDdenominated import prices were revised downward (Charts 7.1.2 and 7.1.3). On an annual basis, the average crude oil price assumption was decreased from 59 USD to 54 USD for 2015 and from 63 USD to 54 USD for 2016. Additionally, assumptions for annual percentage changes in average import prices were revised downwards by 1.9 points each for 2015 and 2016. Meanwhile, year-end projections for unprocessed food prices have been left unchanged since the second quarter. Chart 7.1.2. Chart 7.1.3. Revisions in Oil Prices* Revisions in Import Prices* (USD/bbl) (USD, 2010=100) October 2015 July 2015 October 2015 120 120 110 110 100 100 90 90 80 80 70 70 60 60 50 50 115 110 110 105 105 100 100 95 95 90 85 85 1213 0214 0414 0614 0814 1014 1214 0215 0415 0615 0815 1015 1215 0216 0416 0616 0816 1016 1216 1213 0214 0414 0614 0814 1014 1214 0215 0415 0615 0815 1015 1215 0216 0416 0616 0816 1016 1216 40 90 Actual Actual 40 July 2015 115 * Shaded area denotes the forecast horizon. Source: Bloomberg, CBRT. Fiscal Policy and Tax Adjustments Medium-term forecasts are based on the assumption that tax adjustments and administered prices would be consistent with inflation targets and automatic pricing mechanisms. The medium-term fiscal policy stance is based on the MTP projections covering the 2016-2018 period. Accordingly, the projections envisage slightly higher revenues and expenditures as a ratio of the GDP in 2015 and a somewhat slower decline in these ratios in the following years. Conditional on this outlook, inflation is expected to improve gradually and reach the 5-percent target in the medium term. Table 7.1.1. Revisions in Assumptions July 2015 October 2015 Output Gap 2015Q2 2015Q3 -1.60 -1.30 -1.40 -1.45 Food Prices (Year-end Percent Change) 2015 2016-17 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 2015 2016 -12.8 1.3 -14.7 -0.6 Oil Prices (Average, USD) 2015 2016 59 63 54 54 Export-Weighted Global Production Index (Average Annual Percent Change) 2015 2016 1.9 1.9 2.4 2.3 Import Prices (Average Annual Percent Change, USD) Inflation Report 2015-IV 93 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey 7.2. Medium-Term Forecasts Medium-term forecasts are based on the framework that the tight monetary policy stance will be maintained until there is a significant improvement in the inflation outlook. Moreover, the annual loan growth rate is envisioned to hover around reasonable levels, also on the back of macroprudential measures. Accordingly, inflation is expected to be, with 70 percent probability, between 7.4 percent and 8.4 percent (with a mid-point of 7.9 percent) at end-2015, and between 5.0 percent and 8.0 percent (with a mid-point of 6.5 percent) at end-2016. Inflation is projected to near 5 percent at end2017 and stabilize around 5 percent in the medium term (Chart 7.2.1). Chart 7.2.1. Inflation and Output Gap Forecasts* (Percent) Forecast Range Uncertainty Band Year-End Inflation Target Output Gap 12 12 10 10 Forecast Horizon 8 8 0918 0618 0318 1217 0917 0617 -4 0317 -4 1216 -2 0916 -2 0616 0 0316 0 1215 2 0915 2 0615 4 0315 4 1214 6 0914 6 * Shaded area denotes the 70 percent confidence interval for the forecast. Source: CBRT. The rise in core inflation due to the exchange rate depreciation in the third quarter brought the end-2015 inflation forecast up by 1.2 points compared to the July Inflation Report forecast. Yet, the improvement in import prices in the inter-reporting period pulled down the year-end inflation forecast by 0.2 points. Accordingly, the end-2015 inflation forecast, which was set as 6.9 percent in the July Inflation Report, was revised upwards by 1 point (Chart 7.2.2). Similarly, the end-2016 inflation forecast was revised upward by 1 point to 6.5 percent from 5.5 percent in the July Inflation Report. The upward revision in the end-2015 inflation forecast and the delayed effects of exchange rate movements are expected to drive the end-2016 inflation forecast up by 0.6 and 0.8 points, respectively. However, the decline in the average import price assumption for 2016 and the small downward revision to the output gap forecast for 2016 brought the end-2016 inflation forecast down by 0.3 and 0.1 points, respectively, from the previous Report. 94 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Revised output gap forecasts are displayed in Chart 7.2.3. As the national income realizations in the second quarter of 2015 proved more favorable than envisioned in the previous reporting period, output gap values pertaining to this period were revised slightly upwards. Meanwhile, the output gap forecasts for the third and fourth quarters of 2015 were revised slightly downwards compared to the July Inflation Report. Thus, the output gap is expected to keep the end-2015 inflation forecast intact compared to the previous reporting period. Chart 7.2.2. Chart 7.2.3. Inflation Forecasts Output Gap Forecasts 10 1.0 10 1.0 July 2015 9 Actual 8 8 October 2015 7 7 6 6 -1.0 Source: TURKSTAT, CBRT. 0918 0618 0318 1217 0917 0617 0317 1216 0916 0616 0615 -2.0 0316 -2.0 0918 0618 0318 1217 0917 0617 0317 1216 0916 0616 0316 1215 4 0915 4 0615 -1.0 October 2015 5 July 2015 0315 0.0 1215 5 0.0 0915 9 Source: CBRT. Unpredictable price fluctuations in items beyond the monetary policy domain, such as unprocessed food and tobacco, are among major factors that cause a deviation in inflation forecasts. Hence, inflation forecasts excluding unprocessed food and tobacco prices are publicly announced. Accordingly, inflation forecasts excluding unprocessed food, tobacco and alcoholic beverages are presented in Chart 7.2.4. The inflation indicator as measured above is expected to decline gradually to 4.5 percent. Chart 7.2.4. Inflation Forecast Excluding Unprocessed Food, Tobacco and Alcoholic Beverages* (Percent) Forecast Range Output Gap 0918 0618 0318 -4 1217 -2 -4 0917 -2 0617 0 0317 2 0 1216 2 0916 4 0616 4 0316 6 1215 8 6 0915 8 0615 10 0315 10 1214 12 0914 12 * Shaded area denotes the 70 percent confidence interval for the forecast. Source: CBRT. Inflation Report 2015-IV 95 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Comparison of the CBRT’s Forecasts with Inflation Expectations It is critical that economic agents take the inflation target as a benchmark in their plans and contracts, and focus on the underlying trend of medium-term inflation, rather than temporary price fluctuations. Likewise, it is crucial that the CBRT’s current inflation forecasts be compared with inflation expectations of other economic agents to serve as a reference guide. Accordingly, 12-month and 24month-ahead inflation expectations of the Survey of Expectations’ respondents are above the CBRT’s baseline scenario forecasts (Table 7.2.1). Furthermore, the modest increase in inflation expectations in the inter-reporting period necessitates close monitoring of expectations and the pricing behavior. Table 7.2.1. CBRT Inflation Forecasts and Expectations CBRT Forecast CBRT Survey of Expectations* Inflation Target** 2015 Year-end 7.9 8.3 5.0 12-month-ahead 6.7 7.3 5.0 24-month-ahead 5.6 6.9 5.0 * October 2015 survey period results. ** Calculated by linear interpolation of year-end inflation targets for 2015- 2016. Source: CBRT. 96 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Charts 1. OVERVIEW Chart 1.1. Chart 1.2. Chart 1.1.1. Chart 1.1.2. Chart 1.1.3. Chart 1.1.4. Chart 1.1.5. Chart 1.1.6. Chart 1.1.7. Chart 1.1.8. Chart 1.2.1. Chart 1.2.2. Chart 1.2.3. Chart 1.2.4. Chart 1.2.5. Chart 1.2.6. Chart 1.2.7. Chart 1.2.8. Chart 1.2.9. Chart 1.2.10. Chart 1.3.1. VIX and US Interest Rate Volatility Portfolio Flows to Emerging Economies and JPMVXYEM Volatility Index CBRT Funding CBRT Rates and BIST Interbank O/N Repo Rates Money Market Rates Yield Curve Maturity of Non-Deposit Liabilities Loans/Deposits Annual Loan Growth Annualized Loan Growth Inflation Forecasts and Realizations Inflation Forecasts and Realizations Excluding Unprocessed Food and Tobacco Core Inflation Indicators SCA-H and SCA-I Food and Non-Food Prices GDP and Final Domestic Demand Annual GDP Growth and Contributions from the Production Side GDP and Final Domestic Demand Growth Current Account Balance Revisions in Oil Prices Revisions in Import Prices Inflation and Output Gap Forecasts 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 9 2. INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS Chart 2.1.1. Chart 2.1.2. Chart 2.1.3. Chart 2.1.4. Chart 2.1.5. Chart 2.1.6. Chart 2.2.1. Chart 2.2.2. Chart 2.2.3. Chart 2.2.4. Chart 2.3.1. Chart 2.3.2. Chart 2.3.3. Chart 2.3.4. Chart 2.4.1. Chart 2.4.2. Chart 2.4.3. Global Growth Rates Regional Growth Rates Global PMI Manufacturing Industry PMI Emerging Markets PMI Export-Weighted Global Production Index S&P Goldman Sachs Commodity Price Indices Crude Oil (Brent) Prices CPI Inflation in Advanced and Emerging Economies Core Inflation in Advanced and Emerging Economies Exchange Rate Volatility Policy Rate Projections of the FOMC Members 10-Year Treasury Bond Yields Weekly Fund Flows to Emerging Economies Policy Rate Changes in Advanced Economies between January 2014 and October 2015 Policy Rate Changes in Emerging Economies between January 2014 and October 2015 US Federal Funds Futures 14 14 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 18 18 19 19 20 3. INFLATION DEVELOPMENTS Chart 3.1. Chart 3.2. Chart 3.1.1. Chart 3.1.2. Chart 3.1.3. Chart 3.1.4. Chart 3.1.5. Chart 3.1.6. Chart 3.1.7. Chart 3.1.8. Chart 3.1.9. Chart 3.1.10. Chart 3.1.11. Chart 3.1.12. Chart 3.1.13. Chart 3.2.1. Chart 3.2.2. Chart 3.2.3. Chart 3.2.4. Chart 3.2.5. Chart 3.2.6. Chart 3.3.1. Chart 3.3.2. Chart 3.3.3. CPI by Subcategories Contributions to Annual CPI Prices of Core Goods and Services Core Goods Prices Core Goods Prices Prices of Services by Subcategories Prices of Services by Subcategories Prices of Catering Services and Food Prices of Other Services and the Currency Basket Prices of Services Diffusion Index for Prices of Services Core Inflation Indicators Core Inflation Indicators Diffusion Indices for CPI and SCA-H Core Inflation Indicators SATRIM and FCORE Food and Energy Prices Food Prices Selected Food Prices and CPI Food and Non-Food Prices Domestic Energy Prices and Crude Oil Domestic Energy Prices Domestic Producer and Consumer Prices Manufacturing Prices Import Prices in USD and TL Inflation Report 2015-IV 21 21 22 23 23 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 25 26 26 27 27 27 27 28 28 29 29 29 97 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 3.3.4. Chart 3.4.1. Chart 3.4.2. Chart 3.4.3. Chart 3.4.4. Manufacturing Industry Prices Excluding Petroleum and Basic Metal Products 12-Month and 24-Month-Ahead Inflation Expectations Inflation Expectations Distribution of 12-Month-Ahead Inflation Expectations Distribution of 24-Month-Ahead Inflation Expectations 29 30 30 30 30 4. SUPPLY AND DEMAND DEVELOPMENTS Chart 4.1.1. Chart 4.1.2. Chart 4.1.3. Chart 4.1.4. Chart 4.1.5. Chart 4.1.6. Chart 4.2.1. Chart 4.2.2. Chart 4.2.3. Chart 4.2.4. Chart 4.2.5. Chart 4.2.6. Chart 4.2.7. Chart 4.2.8. Chart 4.2.9. Chart 4.2.10. Chart 4.2.11. Chart 4.2.12. Chart 4.2.13. Chart 4.2.14. Chart 4.2.15. Chart 4.2.16. Chart 4.2.17. Chart 4.2.18. Chart 4.3.1. Chart 4.3.2. Chart 4.3.3. Chart 4.3.4. Chart 4.3.5. Chart 4.3.6. Chart 4.3.7. Chart 4.3.8. 5. Annual GDP Growth and Contributions from the Production Side Quarterly GDP Growth and Contributions from the Production Side Industrial Production Index Industrial Production Index BTS Registered Orders PMI and PMI Production Annual GDP Growth and Contributions from the Demand Side Domestic Private Consumption by Sub-Components Private Investments and the GDP Private and Public Sector Demand Production and Imports of Consumption Goods Domestic Sales of Automobiles and Light Commercial Vehicles Production and Imports of Machinery and Equipment Production and Imports of Mineral Products Exports, Imports and the GDP Export and Import Quantity Indices GDP and Imports in the Euro Area GDP and Imports in MENA Global GDP and Imports GDP Growth GDP and Final Domestic Demand Growth Shares in National Income Current Account Balance Output Gap Unemployment Rates Non-Farm Employment and Non-Farm Labor Force Contributions to Monthly Changes in Non-Farm Employment Industrial Production, Industrial Employment and PMI Employment Construction Employment and Production of Non-Metallic Mineral Products Consumer Confidence, Expectation of Number of Unemployed and Non-Farm Unemployment Rate Non-Farm Hourly Labor Cost Unit Labor Cost 32 32 32 32 33 33 34 34 34 34 35 35 35 35 36 36 37 37 38 38 38 38 39 39 39 39 40 40 41 41 41 41 FINANCIAL MARKETS AND FINANCIAL INTERMEDIATION Chart 5.1. Chart 5.2. Chart 5.1.1. Chart 5.1.2. Chart 5.1.3. Chart 5.1.4. Chart 5.1.5. Chart 5.1.6. Chart 5.1.7. Chart 5.1.8. Chart 5.1.9. Chart 5.1.10. Chart 5.1.11. Chart 5.1.12. Chart 5.1.13. Chart 5.1.14. Chart 5.1.15. Chart 5.1.16. Chart 5.1.17. Chart 5.1.18. Chart 5.1.19. Chart 5.1.20. Chart 5.1.21. Chart 5.1.22. Chart 5.1.23. Chart 5.1.24. Chart 5.1.25. Chart 5.1.26. Chart 5.1.27. Chart 5.1.28. Chart 5.1.29. 98 Financial Conditions and Credit Growth Contributions to FCI 10-Year US Treasury Bond Rates and MOVE Index JPMVXYEM Volatility Index Regional EMBI Indices Changes in CDS Portfolio Flows to Emerging Economies Cumulative Portfolio Flows to Emerging Economies Portfolio Flows to Turkey Cumulative Portfolio Flows to Turkey TL and Emerging Market Currencies vs USD Currency Basket and the Risk Premium Implied Volatility of Exchange Rates 25 Delta Risk Reversal Positions at Various Maturities CBRT Funding CBRT Rates and BIST Repo Rates Market Funding Bank’s Funding Costs at the Money Markets Market Rates Yield Curve FX Required Reserve Ratios Non-Deposit FX Liabilities by Maturity Loans/Deposits CBRT FX Reserve 5-Year Market Rates 6-Month Market Rates 5-Year Market Rates 6-Month Market Rates Expected Overnight Rates at the BIST Repo and Reverse Repo Market Inflation Expectations 2-Year Real Interest Rates for Turkey 57 57 58 58 59 59 59 59 60 60 60 60 61 61 62 62 63 63 63 63 64 64 64 64 65 65 66 66 66 66 67 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Chart 5.1.30. Chart 5.1.31. Chart 5.1.32. Chart 5.1.33. Chart 5.1.34. Chart 5.2.1. Chart 5.2.2. Chart 5.2.3. Chart 5.2.4. Chart 5.2.5. Chart 5.2.6. Chart 5.2.7. Chart 5.2.8. Chart 5.2.9. Chart 5.2.10. Chart 5.2.11. Chart 5.2.12. 6. 2-Year Real Interest Rates Consumer Loan Rates TL Commercial Loan Rates TL Commercial Loan Rate and Deposit Interest Rate Indicators on Banks’ Funding Costs Domestic Credit Stock and Net Domestic Credit Use External Credit Stock and Net External Credit Use Loan Growth Loan Growth Consumer Loan Growth Consumer Loan Growth Commercial Loan Growth TL and FX Commercial Loan Growth Loan and Deposit Growth M2 Money Supply and Loans Balance Sheet Decomposition of M3 Currency in Circulation and Current Consumption Spending 67 67 67 68 68 68 68 69 69 70 70 70 70 71 71 72 72 PUBLIC FINANCE Chart 6.1.1. Chart 6.1.2. Chart 6.1.3. Chart 6.1.4. Chart 6.2.1. Chart 6.2.2. Chart 6.2.3. Chart 6.2.4. Chart 6.2.5. Chart 6.2.6. Central Government Budget Balance Central Government Budget Revenues and Primary Expenditures Real Tax Revenues Real VAT and SCT Revenues Public Debt Stock Indicators Composition of the Central Government Debt Stock Average Maturity of the Domestic Cash Borrowing and Term-to-Maturity of the Domestic Debt Stock Borrowing By Bond Issue Total Domestic Debt Rollover Ratio Average Toplam Maturity İç Borç and Çevirme Interest Oranı Rates of Borrowing at Discount Auctions 82 82 84 84 85 85 85 85 86 86 7. MEDIUM-TERM FORECASTS Chart 7.1.1. Chart 7.1.2. Chart 7.1.3. Chart 7.2.1. Chart 7.2.2. Chart 7.2.3. Chart 7.2.4. Export-Weighted Global Economic Activity Index Revisions in Oil Prices Revisions in Import Prices Inflation and Output Gap Forecasts Inflation Forecasts Output Gap Forecasts Inflation Forecast Excluding Unprocessed Food, Tobacco and Alcoholic Beverages Inflation Report 2015-IV 92 93 93 94 95 95 95 99 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Tables 2. INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS Table 2.1.1. Growth Forecasts for end-2015 and end-2016 15 Table 2.2.1. Inflation Forecasts for end-2015 and end-2016 17 3. INFLATION DEVELOPMENTS Table 3.1.1. Prices of Goods and Services 23 Table 3.3.1. D-PPI and Subcategories 28 6. PUBLIC FINANCE Table 6.1.1. Central Government Budget Aggregates 81 Table 6.1.2. Central Government Primary Expenditures 82 Table 6.1.3. Central Government General Budget Revenues 83 7. MEDIUM-TERM PROJECTIONS Table 7.1.1. Revisions in Assumptions 93 Table 7.2.1. CBRT Inflation Forecasts and Expectations 96 100 Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Boxes in Previous Inflation Reports 2015-III 3.1. Information Content of Credits in Explaining Inflation 3.2. Firm Strategy, Consumer Behavior and Taxation in the Turkish Tobacco Market 3.3. The Exports-Inflation Relationship in Food Products 4.1. Using Survey Data in Near-Term GDP Forecasts 4.2. The Effect of Oil Prices on Exports 6.1. Government Spending Multiplier 2015-II 3.1. The Impact of Reducing Supply Chain Barriers on the Prices of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables 3.2. Investigating the Effect of Fuel Prices on Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Prices through the Transportation Cost Channel 3.3. Firm Cost Structure and Cost-Push Factors of Inflation 4.1. Effects of Parity and Energy Prices on the Non-Gold Export and Import Prices 4.2. Minimum Wage and Wage Distribution 4.3. Some Observations on the Convergence Experience of Turkey 4.4. Unobserved Differences in Firms’ Decisions on Exports and Uncertainty 4.5. Unemployment Flow Dynamics in Turkey 2015-I 3.1. Effects of Oil Prices on Consumer Prices 3.2. Pass-Through of International Grain Prices to Domestic Prices 3.3. The Role of Base Effects on Consumer Inflation in 2015 4.1. Liability Dollarization and Growth Performance of Non-Financial Firms in Turkey 4.2. Macroeconomic Effects of International Energy Prices 5.1. Remuneration of Required Reserves 7.1. Reasons for the Changes in end-2014 Inflation Forecasts 2014-IV 2.1. Determinants of Bond Flows to Emerging Markets: How Do They Change Over Time? 3.1. Sensitivity of Inflation to Output Gap and Credit 4.1. Current Account Balance Fluctuations and Current Account Deficit Corrections 5.1. Non-Core Liabilities 5.2. International Capital Flows and Domestic Loan Growth 5.3. Capital Flows and Loan Growth: The Impact of Macroprudential Measures 2014-III 3.1. The Sensitivity of Inflation to Business Cycles in Turkey 4.1. Seasonal Adjustment of GDP: Direct vs. Indirect Approach 4.2. Real and Nominal Balancing of Turkey’s External Trade 5.1. Credit Growth and the Current Account Balance 5.2. The Relationship between Consumer and Commercial Loans and the Current Account Deficit in Turkey 5.3. The Relationship between the System’s Funding Need and TL Loans 5.4. Firms’ Access to Credit in Turkey: A Survey-Based Analysis 2014-II 4.1. Revisions to Construction Investment Expenditures 4.2. Capital Flows Towards Turkey and Emerging Economies in 2013: Effects of the Fed’s Policy Change 5.1. Forecasting Exchange Rates Using Yield Curves 5.2. Foreign Currency Liabilities and Exchange Rate Risk of Firms in Turkey 2014-I Inflation Report 2015-IV 101 Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Abbreviations AMA ARDL bbl BIS BIST BRSA BTS CBRT CDS CPI D-PPI ECB EM/VXY EMBI EPFR EU EU27 EUR FCI FCORE Fed FOMC FX GDP GMM IMF JPMVXYEM MENA MOVE MTP O/N OECD R&D PMI PPI ROM S&P SATRIM SCA SCA-H SCA-I SCT SEEs SMEs SSI TL TURKSTAT UK US USA USD VAT VXY WEO 102 Automobile Manufacturers Association Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model Barrel Bank for International Settlements Borsa İstanbul Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency Business Tendency Survey Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey Credit Default Swap Consumer Price Index Domestic Producer Price Index European Central Bank JP Morgan Volatility Index for Emerging Market Currencies Emerging Markets Bond Index Emerging Portfolio Fund Research European Union EU 27 Member States The Euro Currency Financial Conditions Index Factor Model Based Core Inflation Indicator Federal Reserve Bank Federal Open Markets Committee Foreign Exchange Gross Domestic Product Generalized Method of Moments International Monetary Fund JPMorgan Emerging Market Volatility Index Middle East and North Africa Merrill Lynch Option Volatility Estimate Medium-Term Program Overnight Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Research and Development Purchasing Managers Index Producer Price Index Reserve Options Mechanism Standard and Poor’s Seasonally Adjusted Trimmed Mean Inflation Special CPI Aggregate Special CPI Aggregate H Index Special CPI Aggregate I Index Special Consumption Tax State Economic Enterprises Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Social Security Institution Turkish Lira Turkish Statistical Institute United Kingdom United States United States of America United States Dollar Value Added Tax JP Morgan Volatility Index for G7 Currencies World Economic Outlook Inflation Report 2015-IV Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey 2015 Calendar for MPC Meetings, Inflation Report and Financial Stability Report MPC Meetings Summary of MPC Inflation Report January 20, 2015 January 27, 2015 January 27, 2015 February 24, 2015 March 3, 2015 March 17, 2015 March 24, 2015 April 22, 2015 April 30, 2015 May 20, 2015 May 27, 2015 June 23, 2015 June 30, 2015 July 23, 2015 July 30, 2015 August 18, 2015 August 25, 2015 September 22, 2015 October 1, 2015 October 21, 2015 October 28, 2015 November 24, 2015 December 1, 2015 December 22, 2015 December 29, 2015 Inflation Report 2015-IV Financial Stability Report April 30, 2015 May 29, 2015 July 30, 2015 October 28, 2015 November 30, 2015 103