Iceland’s central bank has just cut its interest rates by 25bp, leaving the key current account rate at 3.25 per cent. The Bank hasn’t stopped cutting since the financial crisis, though this is the smallest cut since 2002. Previous cuts have been monthly, and mostly half a percentage point (see chart).

The tiny island-state’s economy appears in relatively good shape. Inflation has fallen below the target of 2.5 per cent, and inflation expectations, which were nearing double digits, have fallen below 5 per cent. Indeed, with inflation at just 1.8 per cent, one might wonder why rates have been cut at all. According to the Bank, temporary factors were at play in pushing down January’s inflation:

One-off factors added to the seasonal drop in January. Favourable exchange rate developments over the past year, declining inflation expectations, and the slack in the economy continue to contribute to low and stable inflation.

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