The following data are from the Central Bank of Iceland's Balance Sheet as at the end of August 2003 with comparative figures for the end of December 2002 and changes within the month and from the beginning of 2003.
The Central Bank's foreign reserves increased by 4.5 b.kr. and amounted to 41 b.kr. at the end of August (equivalent to 512 m. US dollars at the exchange rate at the end of the month). The Bank now has no foreign short-term liabilities in connection with its foreign reserves; at the beginning of the year these liabilities amounted to just over 16 b.kr.
In August, the Central Bank purchased currency in the domestic interbank market for 4 b.kr., which is consistent with the measures to strengthen its external position as described inter alia in the May issue of the Bank's Monetary Bulletin. The Icelandic króna weakened by 1.1% in August.
Market value of listed securities in the Bank's portfolio was 4.3 b.kr. at the end of August. Of this figure, listed Treasury securities amounted to 1.2 b.kr.
Central Bank claims on deposit money banks decreased by 5.4 b.kr. in August and amounted to 61.5 b.kr. at the end of the month. Claims on other financial institutions also declined and at the end of August they amounted to 7.2 b.kr.
Net claims on central government rose by 5.8 b.kr. in August and the Treasury's net deposit at the end of the month stood at 22.8 b.kr.
Base money increased by 3.2 b.kr. during the month and amounted to 41 b.kr. at the end of August.
For further information, contact the Governors of the Central Bank of Iceland and Erla Árnadóttir, Chief Accountant, tel. (+354) 569-9600.
No. 17/2003
4 September 2003