An evaluation of the transmission of the policy interest rate to the financial system’s interest rates in Colombia

Abstract

This paper studies monetary policy transmission using several statistical tools. We find that the relationships between the policy interest rate and the financial system’s interest rates are positive and statistically significant, and transmission is complete eight months after policy shocks occur. The speed of transmission varies according to the type of interest rates. Transmission is faster for interest rates on loans provided to households, and is particularly rapid and complete for rates on preferential commercial loans. Transmission is slower for credit card and mortgage rates, due to regulatory issues (interest rate ceilings).