In the money market last week (September 19 to September 23), the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) continued to use open market operation tools to maintain sufficient liquidity in the system and indirectly move on the interbank interest rate level. At the end of the week, the central bank net withdrew VND34.6 trillion ($1.46 billion) through the open market channel and VND23 trillion ($967 million) through foreign currency sales. It recently increased some operating interest rates, after nearly eleven years since the last increase. Rates such as discount rates and refinancing rates were raised by 1 per cent.
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has net withdrawn nearly VND200 trillion ($8.5 billion) through the open market treasury bill channel in recent times. It also withdraws money through foreign currency sales. Viet Dragon Securities (VDSC) estimates that, in a bid to prevent the devaluation of the VND, the central bank has sold about $13 billion since the beginning of the year.
There is rising demand for USD due to the trade balance being in deficit and from many foreign enterprises transferring profits back to their parent company at the end of the fiscal year. In response, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has offered USD in three-month terms for the first time since 2018 to support liquidity.
The USD/VND exchange rate has been quite high in recent days, with the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) and market operators stopping commercial banks from receiving funds to conduct foreign exchange spot transactions. Despite the fact that no more money was injected into the system and that credit accelerated, liquidity in the banking system remained abundant. This is most evident in interest rates remaining flat at the lower end.
Data from SSI Research shows that the State Bank of Vietnam’s purchase of foreign currency from commercial banks has injected some VND60 trillion ($2.64 billion) into the market, helping reduce the interbank interest rate.
Many banks have recently introduced preferential policies on foreign currencies for import-export enterprises, such as preferential loans, financial support through import financing services, foreign exchange support, reasonable fees, and free international money transfer for new corporate customers.
As a popular destination for FDI, Vietnam also welcomes a large inflow of foreign currencies. The country’s banking system has maintained low interest rates, which is in line with ongoing trends, as central banks around the world are applying loosened monetary policy.
