Tag: Remittance

  • Nepal Rastra Bank Unveils FY 2023/24 Macroeconomic Overview

    Nepal Rastra Bank Unveils FY 2023/24 Macroeconomic Overview


    Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has presented a comprehensive overview of Nepal’s current macroeconomic and financial status based on data from the first eight months ending mid-March 2023/24.

    Inflation and Trade

    • Year-on-year inflation remained stable at 4.82%.
    • Gross foreign exchange reserves reached USD 14.14 billion.
    • Total imports decreased by 2.7%, exports by 4.0%, and trade deficit by 2.5%.
    • Concessional loans extended to various sectors totaled Rs. 149.30 billion.
    • NEPSE index rose to 2108.73 from 1953.06 a year ago.

    Inflation Trends

    • Consumer price inflation moderated to 4.82%, down from 7.44%.
    • Wholesale price inflation decreased to 3.69%.
    • Merchandise exports fell by 4.0%, while imports decreased by 2.7%.
    • Remittance inflows increased by 21.0%.

    Foreign Exchange and Reserves

    • Gross foreign exchange reserves grew by 21.7% to Rs. 1872.82 billion.
    • Reserves-to-imports ratio improved to 103.1%.
    • Exchange rate depreciated by 0.73% against the USD.
    • Government expenditure increased by 2.9% to Rs. 801.58 billion.
    • Revenue mobilization rose by 9.7% to Rs. 639.05 billion.

    Banking and Credit

    • Domestic credit and claims on the private sector increased by 4.0% and 5.6% respectively.
    • Deposits at BFIs expanded by 7.6% to Rs. 435.87 billion.
    • Average base rates for commercial banks stood at 8.77%.

    Balance of Payments

    • Balance of Payments remained in surplus at Rs. 327.55 billion.

    Overall, Nepal’s economy shows resilience and positive growth indicators amidst global economic fluctuations.

  • US Dollar Reaches Record High Against Nepali Rupee, Impacting Imports and State Loans

    US Dollar Reaches Record High Against Nepali Rupee, Impacting Imports and State Loans


    The US dollar has recently attained its highest value against the Nepali rupee, reaching a new record of Rs. 133.68 last Wednesday and continuing to rise. The latest statistics from Nepal Rastra Bank on this Sunday indicate a slight increase, with the current rate standing at Rs. 133.70, marking a 2-paisa uptick from the previous record. In practical terms, this means that 1 US dollar now requires 133 rupees and 70 paisa for exchange.

    The depreciation of the Indian rupee in comparison to the US dollar has played a role in the weakening of the Nepali rupee. Given that Nepal maintains a fixed exchange rate with India, any fluctuations in the Indian currency have a direct impact on the Nepalese rupee.

    The surge in the dollar’s value carries consequences, particularly making imports more expensive. As transactions for imports are conducted in dollars, a stronger dollar translates to higher expenditure. Furthermore, the appreciation of the dollar is expected to increase the burden of state loans from foreign donor agencies.

    While a robust dollar may have advantages for sectors such as tourism, exporters, and remittance recipients, experts argue that the disadvantages are more significant due to the substantial share of imports in the Nepali economy.

  • “Nepal Rastra Bank’s Mid-September 2023 Financial Snapshot: Inflation, Forex Reserves, and Economic Indicators”

    “Nepal Rastra Bank’s Mid-September 2023 Financial Snapshot: Inflation, Forex Reserves, and Economic Indicators”


    Nepal Rastra Bank, the central bank of Nepal, has released an overview of the current macroeconomic and financial situation in Nepal, based on data from the first two months ending in mid-September 2023.

    Inflation and Forex Reserves:The central bank reported an estimated year-on-year inflation rate of 8.19%. Nepal’s gross foreign exchange reserves stood at $12.01 billion, while total imports and exports declined by 5.1%, leading to a 4.7% reduction in the trade deficit.

    Concessional Loans: As of mid-September 2023, concessional loans amounted to NPR 195.62 billion, benefiting 144,758 borrowers, with a significant portion directed toward commercial agriculture, livestock, and women entrepreneurs.

    Stock Market: The NEPSE index in mid-September 2023 reached 1964.9, compared to 1910.4 in the same period the previous year.

    Inflation: Consumer price inflation for the same period was 8.19%, down from 8.64% the previous year. Wholesale price inflation also decreased significantly to 4.78%.

    Imports and Exports: Merchandise exports saw a 7.8% decrease in the first two months of 2023/24, while imports decreased by 5.1%. Exports to India declined, but exports to China and other countries increased.

    Services and Remittance: Nepal experienced a deficit in net services income, while remittances increased by 22.1%.

    Inter-bank Transactions:Interbank transactions, including those among commercial banks and other financial institutions, have seen a substantial increase.

    Oil and Gold Prices:The international price of oil increased, while gold prices also rose.

    Foreign Exchange Reserves: Gross foreign exchange reserves showed growth, covering a substantial portion of imports and other financial indicators.

    Exchange Rate:The Nepalese currency depreciated slightly against the US dollar.

    Government Expenditure and Revenue: The government’s expenditure and revenue figures were reported, providing insights into the country’s financial activities.

    Banking and Credit: Domestic credit decreased slightly, and the monetary sector’s claims on the private sector increased by 1.7%.

    Interest Rates: Various banking sectors reported their average base rates, which showed some variations compared to the previous year.

    Balance of Payments: The Balance of Payments (BOP) reflected a surplus, contrasting with a deficit from the same period in the previous year.

    This comprehensive report offers a detailed insight into Nepal’s economic and financial landscape during the initial two months of the fiscal year 2023/24.

  • Macro Economic Indicators of FY 2022/23: Remittance Inflows Rise by 22.7%, Inflation at 6.83%

    Macro Economic Indicators of FY 2022/23: Remittance Inflows Rise by 22.7%, Inflation at 6.83%


     

    As of mid-June 2023, there was a total outstanding concessional loan of Rs. 203.10 billion given to 147,510 borrowers. Out of this amount, Rs. 139.68 billion was provided to 61,235 borrowers for selected commercial agriculture and livestock businesses. Additionally, Rs. 60.46 billion was given as loans to 83,455 women entrepreneurs. In other specified sectors, a total of Rs. 2.97 billion in concessional loans was availed by 2,820 borrowers.

    During the same period, the NEPSE index, which measures the performance of the Nepal Stock Exchange, was recorded at 2042.07. This figure showed an increase compared to its value of 1996.26 in mid-June 2022.

  • Remittance inflows increased by 25.3% to Rs. 794.32 billion in the first eight months of fiscal year 2022/23.

    Remittance inflows increased by 25.3% to Rs. 794.32 billion in the first eight months of fiscal year 2022/23.


     

    Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), Nepal’s central bank, has released the country’s current macroeconomic and financial situation based on eight months of data ending in mid-March 2022/23.

  • 7-Month Macroeconomic Highlights: Inflation is 7.88%.

    7-Month Macroeconomic Highlights: Inflation is 7.88%.


    According to the Nepal Rastra Bank, inflation remained at 7.88 percent year on year. During the mentioned period, the gross foreign exchange reserves stood at USD 10.50 billion, while total imports and exports decreased by 19.9 percent and 29 percent, respectively, and the trade deficit decreased by 18.7 percent.

    The outstanding concessional loan was Rs.210.96 billion as of mid-February 2023, with 148,295 borrowers. For selected commercial agriculture and livestock businesses, Rs.142.56 billion has been extended to 61,335 borrowers. Similarly, 84,105 women entrepreneurs have received loans totaling Rs.65.19 billion. A total of 2,855 borrowers have received concessional loans in other specified sector

     

  • Ex-pat Nepalese get Rs 400 incentive while sending money to NICA accounts via World Remit

    Ex-pat Nepalese get Rs 400 incentive while sending money to NICA accounts via World Remit


    Ex-pat Nepalese who send money to NIC ASIA Bank accounts in Nepal using World Remit would receive a bonus of Rs 400.

    The scheme will run from Aswin 11 to Kartik 10, 2078, with just the first transaction eligible for the bonus.

    The bank now has 356 branches, 472 ATMs, 70 extension counters, and 81 branchless banking units across the country.

    Additionally, receive $20 bonus if you send money to Nepal using Word Remit by clicking on the link below.

    Send Money to Nepal now