National currency gained 0.4% and investors watchful of BNR

Analysts of Banca Comerciala Romana (BCR), largest bank in Romania in terms of assets, believe that an increase to over 10 percent could lead to reduced marginal efficiency. “Our basic scenario indicates that monetary policy interest will remain at 9.5 percent in the May 6th meeting,” said BCR Chief Economist, Lucian Anghel.

The evolution of the exchange rate, external pressures on energy prices, and electoral year amplified local salaries, make up main risk factors for inflation.

Economic analysts estimate that the inflation rate could drop slightly below 8.5 percent in April, due to a considerable appreciation of the leu and a favorable evolution of administrative prices. The National Bank did not organize an auction on Monday to reduce market liquidity, and dealers believe that this measure was taken in anticipation of a decision on monetary policy interest.