Businessuite News24
The Impact of Commercial Bank Rate Policies on Jamaica’s Economic Growth and Investment Landscape
However, a key obstacle to the effectiveness of these policies has been the slow transmission of BOJ rate cuts into the lending rates of commercial banks. The pace at which commercial banks lower their interest rates after the BOJ makes its adjustments has been a source of tension, particularly as high borrowing costs have stifled investment and economic activity in critical sectors such as construction, real estate, the stock market, and broader financial services.
Introduction: The Tension Between the Central Bank and Commercial Banks
Jamaica’s economic recovery in recent years has been closely tied to the monetary policies of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ), which has used interest rate adjustments as a tool to control inflation, stabilize the currency, and foster economic growth.
However, a key obstacle to the effectiveness of these policies has been the slow transmission of BOJ rate cuts into the lending rates of commercial banks. The pace at which commercial banks lower their interest rates after the BOJ makes its adjustments has been a source of tension, particularly as high borrowing costs have stifled investment and economic activity in critical sectors such as construction, real estate, the stock market, and broader financial services.
The Rate Transmission Challenge
For years, the BOJ has maintained an aggressive stance on controlling inflation, setting the policy rate at elevated levels to curb inflationary pressures and stabilize the exchange rate. The central bank’s decision to raise rates has, however, faced resistance when passed through to consumers. While the BOJ adjusts its policy rate, which is expected to affect market rates and borrowing costs, commercial banks in Jamaica have been slower to adjust their own lending rates. The delayed response from commercial banks in reducing interest rates after the BOJ signals a rate cut has created a disconnect in the economy, frustrating the central bank’s efforts to stimulate investment.
“We are absolutely determined that we have to have a much more efficient transmission system,” Bank Of Jamaica Governor Richard Byles
“Commercial banks have been slow to lower lending rates in response to BOJ adjustments, even as the central bank signals its intention to stimulate growth,” says an economist from the Caribbean Development Bank. “This delay results in a less responsive monetary policy, which weakens the transmission mechanism and hampers economic growth.”
This slow pass-through effect has been especially problematic for businesses and consumers relying on credit to drive spending and investment. High lending rates have made borrowing expensive, discouraging business expansion and large-scale investments, especially in sectors like construction and real estate.
“The group’s financial performance continues to reflect the impact of the ongoing high-interest rate environment in Jamaica, which exerts downward pressure on property values, resulting in lower property income relative to prior year.” Norman Reid Chairman FirstRock Real Estate Investments Limited
The Impact on Key Sectors: Real Estate, Construction, and the Stock Market
1. Real Estate and Construction:
The construction and real estate sectors are particularly sensitive to interest rate movements because of their reliance on financing for property development and home purchases. High interest rates have increased the cost of capital for developers, making it more expensive to finance new projects and slowing down the pace of construction. In addition, potential homebuyers have been discouraged by high mortgage rates, further dampening demand in the housing market.
Jamaican developers and real estate professionals have expressed frustration with the lack of affordability. “With borrowing costs so high, it has become increasingly difficult for developers to undertake large projects or offer affordable housing to the average Jamaican,” said a prominent Jamaican real estate developer in an interview with the Jamaica Observer. “This is not just about the cost of money, it’s also about the ripple effect of slower growth in the construction industry, which impacts employment and related sectors.”
“Owing to higher policy interest rates by the Bank of Jamaica, which moved from a historic low of half a per cent (0.50) since October 2021 to the current 6.5 per cent, FirstRock Real Estate Investments Limited has been realising lower property income as pressure continues to weigh down property values resulting in a softening of the market.”
2. The Stock Market:
In the financial markets, particularly the stock market, high interest rates have made government securities more attractive relative to equities. As a result, the Jamaican stock market has seen a period of subdued investor activity. When interest rates are elevated, investors tend to favor the guaranteed returns of bonds and treasury bills, which are perceived as lower risk compared to stocks.
The Jamaican stock market has experienced a sharp decline in activity, with reduced liquidity and a diminished appetite for riskier investments. Analysts suggest that the high cost of capital has discouraged companies from seeking capital through equity financing, opting instead for less-expensive debt or leaving expansion plans on hold. “The slow transmission of lower rates from the BOJ to consumers means that the real economy and the stock market suffer as investment slows,” says an analyst at JMMB Group.
3. The Financial Sector:
The financial sector has been one of the primary sectors impacted by the BOJ’s rate hikes. Banks’ profitability is closely tied to the interest rate spread—the difference between what they pay for funds and what they charge on loans. As commercial banks face high borrowing costs, their interest rate margins tend to widen, increasing profits in the short term. However, in the long term, the suppressed demand for loans due to high rates can limit business growth opportunities and create a drag on the overall financial ecosystem.
“The banking sector is seeing increased profitability on loan spreads, but that comes at the cost of reduced lending, which is unsustainable in the long term,” says a financial analyst with Scotiabank Jamaica. “Banks need to balance profitability with growth, and high interest rates are squeezing that balance.”
The Likely Effects of Falling Interest Rates on Key Sectors
1. A Revival in Real Estate and Construction:
As the BOJ begins to reduce interest rates in response to easing inflationary pressures, the real estate and construction sectors stand to benefit significantly. Lower rates would reduce the cost of financing for both developers and homebuyers, unlocking pent-up demand in the housing market and spurring new construction projects.
Industry stakeholders are optimistic about the potential revival of the construction and real estate sectors. “The drop in interest rates will likely create a favorable environment for developers and potential homeowners. Projects that were previously on hold due to financing costs can now move forward,” says a director at the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce. With a focus on sustainable and affordable housing, developers expect to see increased interest in residential projects as mortgage rates become more manageable.
2. A Boost for the Stock Market:
In the stock market, lower interest rates tend to make equities more attractive compared to fixed-income securities like government bonds. As borrowing costs decrease and disposable income rises, consumer spending increases, driving demand for goods and services. Companies that are able to capitalize on this surge in demand are likely to see stronger earnings, which can attract investors back into the stock market.
In addition, lower rates would reduce the cost of capital for companies looking to expand, potentially leading to increased IPOs and capital raises on the stock exchange. A recovery in investor confidence could stimulate trading volumes and liquidity on the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE), enhancing its attractiveness to both local and international investors.
3. A More Dynamic Financial Sector:
The financial sector stands to benefit from a more balanced interest rate environment. Lower rates would stimulate demand for loans and credit products, providing a boost to lending volumes and enabling banks to diversify their portfolios. Banks would also be able to offer more competitive loan products, which would benefit consumers and businesses alike.
In particular, the reduced cost of capital could lead to increased investment in long-term projects, with businesses likely to take on more debt to fund expansion plans. This shift would help create a more dynamic financial sector, capable of sustaining growth in both the short and long term.
Conclusion: A Delicate Balance
The slow pass-through of BOJ rate changes to commercial banks’ lending rates has created challenges for Jamaica’s economic recovery, especially in key sectors like construction, real estate, and the stock market. However, as interest rates begin to fall, the prospects for these sectors are set to improve. Lower rates will encourage investment, promote lending, and make capital more accessible, providing a much-needed stimulus to the Jamaican economy.
As Jamaica navigates the transition to lower interest rates, the effectiveness of the central bank’s policies will depend on how quickly commercial banks respond to rate changes. A more synchronized approach between the BOJ and commercial banks could unlock significant growth potential, driving Jamaica towards a more dynamic and resilient economy.
It might not seem like roughly a quarter-century since the digital smartphone made an irrevocable impact on all our lives (whether you currently have one or not), but over the course of those years, cell phones have moved from being glorified field radios to nearly everyone’s go-to device; in business and in personal life, the smartphone is THE accessory, replacing analog watch, camera, game console, phone book and day-runner (remember those?).
And the function consolidation shows no signs of abating, as new feature-rich phones continue to be released to an ever-hungry public.
Dane Spencer, of Smart Mobile Solutions
No surprise then, that a gaggle of entrepreneurs, execs, media and influencers thronged the Digicel store in Tropical Plaza for Samsung’s latest salvo in the smartphone market “arms race” – the S25 line, comprising the base model, S25+ and the topline S25 Ultra, all boasting advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in addition to the expected bells and whistles (3 different types of camera; powerful new chipset; vital body function monitor etc). Emcee Debbie Bissoon kept things moving with her usual aplomb.
Dane Spencer, of Smart Mobile Solutions, in Jamaica, spoke to this ongoing function consolidation as a key driver of sales and market share. “The convergence of multiple apps on a single handy device means I can truly access and respond to information from anywhere,” he said, providing a personal demonstration on his own S25. “That means whether you’re in corporate or in business for yourself, you can make better decisions, faster.”
Jaszmin Martinez, the Dominican Republic-based Corporate Marketing Manager for Samsung amplified Spencer’s points on market share, adding, “Samsung has a significant presence in the Jamaican market, and one which has grown year on year, so it’s a very important market for us,” she said. According to Stat Counter, Samsung enjoys roughly 52% of the Jamaican smartphone market.
Stephen Murad of Digicel reminisced briefly about the head-spinning growth the company experienced in its early days and all the momentous changes that had taken place in the cell phone market since its launch in 2001. The cell phone, he said, was no longer just a device that you talked through, but increasingly, one you talked with (referring to the AI capabilities) and a constant companion. “The markets’ need for data is never-ending” he said, as folks of all ages have been spending more and more time with their phones.
The company has, however, taken note of those factors and the associated dangers of this manner of closeness with our devices, and has recently launched, though the Digicel Foundation, the Safer Internet Together (SIT) project. In partnership with other corporate entities (JPS Macmillan Education and Sunshine Snacks) and public agencies, the mobile carrier intends to advocate for safer, more responsible internet usage among students in 150 educational institutions.
But, as evidenced even from the interest in the store on launch night, a considerable number of Jamaicans plan to spend lots of time with their S25s.
The new device arrives almost, on cue, in a very dynamic and recently volatile, global smartphone market. After nearly three years of decline, the smartphone market had posted a creditable 7%, according to figures from Canalys Research. The hammer looked set to hit this year with the US President’s all-out trade war, and with the trade conflicts with China ongoing, smartphone sales may buckle under inflationary pressures.
Indeed, the stated Jamaican list price for the S25 entry model (J$136K + tax) is an eminently competitive tag, no doubt influenced by an awareness of the general market conditions (while not cheap, its entirely in line with what one would expect to pay for a similarly equipped competitor model). Indeed, the two lucky guests at the launch who each won one of the S25s on offer are no doubt putting their devices through their respective paces.
The ongoing evolution of life, both in the business and personal spheres, demand devices that can keep pace with dynamics of our multi-active, instantly communicating world, and at a competitive price point. Samsung, with its new flagship series, is looking to deliver -and reap handsomely – on all of those expectations.
Michael A. D. Edwards
Businessuite News24
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Photo: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness right) speaks with designer, Vintage Chic, Shanna Campbell about her handmade pieces, during the opening ceremony for Expo Jamaica 2025 at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St. Andrew on April 3.
Photo: Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness left), samples a coffee carrot ginger brew from Beyond 5 Beverages given to him Managing Director of the company, Damain Drummond right) during the opening ceremony for Expo Jamaica 2025, at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St. Andrew on April 3.
Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness has committed to ensuring that the policies and initiatives of the Government remain aligned with entrepreneurs, thereby creating an enabling environment that fosters investment. “To our manufacturers and exporters… your effort represents the heart of our economic progress, your resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial courage has carried Brand Jamaica to every corner of the globe.
“As Prime Minister, I commit to ensuring our policies and initiatives remain aligned with your ambitions, creating an enabling environment that fosters investment, innovation and global competitiveness. Together we will strengthen our local economy and solidify Jamaica’s position on the international stage,” Dr. Holness said.
The Prime Minister was speaking during the opening ceremony for Expo Jamaica 2025 at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St. Andrew on April 3.
Dr. Holness said Expo Jamaica is a vivid showcase of Jamaica’s boundless potential, “so as we advance global partnerships and create impactful local results, let us reaffirm our collective determination to build a prosperous, productive Jamaica that leaves no one behind”.
“Expo Jamaica exemplifies how far Jamaica has come. Over 250 exhibitors showcasing more than 5000 products and services alongside 884 registered local and international buyers from 25 countries. This clearly reflects Jamaica’s growing global influence and appeal,” he said.
He added that the event has grown tremendously, now standing as the largest trade exhibition in the English-speaking Caribbean.
Meanwhile, Dr. Holness said Jamaica today boasts its strongest economy since independence.
“Whether you measure Jamaica’s economic performance and stability by the unemployment rate, the inflation rate, the debt-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio or Net International Reserves (NIR), by every critical metric, our economy undeniable demonstrates economic stability and resilience,” he said.
He added that growth is another central pillar to economic stability and resilience.
“For Jamaica to realise its fullest potential, our growth rate must accelerate from one to two percent towards a more ambitious target of four to five per cent. Central to achieving this are initiatives which this Government has launched, and we call them ASPIRE, that is our comprehensive growth strategy,” he said.
ASPIRE stands for: Access to Economic Opportunity for All (Inclusive Growth); Safety and Security; People (Human Capital Development); Infrastructure Development; Reform of the Bureaucracy (Ease, Speed, and Cost of Doing Business); Economic Diversification/New Industries.
He further added that inclusivity and equity are paramount to the Government’s growth agenda.
Meanwhile, Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Hon. Aubyn Hill said the administration continues to position Jamaica as an investment destination for financial services, logistics, skilled labour, high value services and premium products.
“This expo is Jamaica’s open invitation to the world… The Andrew Holness administration has made it our mission to make Jamaica a very attractive place in this region in which to do business. Our macroeconomic numbers tell a clear story,” he said
Other speakers at the function included President, Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), Shullette Cox, and Chairman, Expo Jamaica, Aswad Morgan.
This year’s event is being held from Thursday (April 3) to Sunday (April 6) at the National Arena and the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston.
The four-day tradeshow, under the theme ‘Global Partnership, Local Impact: Advancing Jamaica’s Reach’, is organised by the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association Limited (JMEA) and JAMPRO.
By: CHRIS PATTERSON, JIS
Businessuite News24
Government Engages with US Trade Representative on New Tariff Regime
“There are opportunities that must be had. There are prospects to be uncovered, and so I urge my manufacturers, my businesspeople, before you start to look at the negative, also look for the opportunities. Don’t just sit down and complain about all the things that’s going on and all the things that’s going bad, expecting that Government is going to solve all the problems for you. Be the entrepreneur; be the one who is the risk-taker, and be the one who is looking for the opportunity,” Dr. Holness said.
Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the Government is actively engaging with the United States (US) Trade Representative and other relevant authorities “to seek urgent clarification” on the new US tariff regime.
Speaking at the opening of EXPO Jamaica 2025 at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, on April 3, he said the United States Government recently announced a 10 per cent baseline tariff on imports from all countries, set to take effect on April 5, 2025, which introduces a significant shift in global trade policy, “one that could impact Jamaica’s market access to our largest trading partner”.
Dr. Holness informed that Jamaica, like other CARICOM nations, has traded with the US under the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), which provides non-reciprocal duty-free access for a wide range of products to the US market.
“Today, nearly 90 per cent of Jamaican exports to the United States enter under these preferential terms; however, the new US tariff regime, rooted in a broader policy of reciprocal trade balancing, has raised serious concerns about the future of these preferential arrangements,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that the Government has not yet received formal notification on the precise implementation procedures, including whether these new tariffs will override existing CBI provisions.
“We are also conducting a detailed technical assessment, in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies, to fully understand the scope of these tariffs and their implications for Jamaica’s trade and industrial policy,” he said.
He pointed out that the developments do not reflect any erosion in the long-standing and strong bilateral relationship between Jamaica and the United States; rather, it reflects a broader recalibration of US trade policy that is global in scope.
“Still, we will use every available diplomatic channel, including working with our CARICOM brothers and sisters and utilising the Office of Trade Negotiations, to seek to preserve the position our exporters have secured over decades of deepening trade ties with the United States,” Dr. Holness said.
He noted that preliminary analysis indicates that some of the country’s top exports may fall under exempted product categories “and we are working to confirm and where possible, to expand these exemptions”.
“Again, I must emphasise that clarity is still needed on several matters. Furthermore, there may also be opportunities to be found and we must, therefore, be proactive and prospective,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that the Government will continue to advocate for manufacturers and exporters to ensure their interests are protected in any new global trade architecture.
“So, to our manufacturers and exporters, we understand the uncertainty this announcement has created and we are with you every step of the way. You are not only integral to our economic strategy, you are national champions of our resilience and ingenuity,” Dr. Holness said.
Meanwhile, he said the Administration will continue working to ensure the country secures its economic independence, even as it remains alert and responsive to evolving global trade dynamics that affect manufacturers and exporters.
“Yes, it is uncertain times, but we have done the necessary work. We have built the relationships; we have placed ourselves in strategic positions to be heard and to be heard from and to be consulted. When these changes are going to happen, we know that they could have long-term impact; we started planning long ago,” the Prime Minister said.
“You have a Government that is thinking very carefully, very strategically. I play chess, not draughts… . Maybe a decade ago, the word disruptive would have been an inherently bad thing. In today’s world, you require disruption of systems for there to be innovation and new opportunities. So, whilst we see the downside of the disruptive global order that we have now, we are not going to sit by and wait,” he added.
The Prime Minister urged manufacturers and exporters to explore new opportunities, noting that the Government will work with them.
“There are opportunities that must be had. There are prospects to be uncovered, and so I urge my manufacturers, my businesspeople, before you start to look at the negative, also look for the opportunities. Don’t just sit down and complain about all the things that’s going on and all the things that’s going bad, expecting that Government is going to solve all the problems for you. Be the entrepreneur; be the one who is the risk-taker, and be the one who is looking for the opportunity,” Dr. Holness said.
By: Chris Patterson, JIS
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