New hike in Costa Rican interest rates puts banks on alert

A new increase in interest rates has put Costa Rica's banks on a contingency footing.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Two banksNacional and de Costa Rica – have cut back on credits, while others are on standby for a possible change in strategy.
Several economists say that the impact of dearer money could be considerable, leading to a growth in bad debts. But banks remain optimistic; existing portfolios are unlikely to be affected, they say.

More on this topic

Costa Rica's state-owned banks raise rates for credits

May 2008

State-owned banks in Costa Rica raised lending rates in colons by 1-1.5 percentage points in the last week of April and by half a percentage point for credits in dollars, according to central bank statistics.

Private-sector banks, meanwhile, have kept their lending rates steady.

Growth in Supply of Housing Loans in Costa Rica

August 2010

The banking system has increased its range of mortgage credits with terms of up to 30 years in both dollars and colones, the local currency.

The Costa Rican banking system's housing credit portfolio makes up 31% of 31% of all non-financial private sector loans, measured in colones. As of May year on year sector growth stood at 3.71%, according to the Central Bank.

Rate Hike Worries Banks in Costa Rica

May 2012

A passive base rate in excess of 12% would be problematic, affecting the behavior of borrowers and is likely to cause an increase in defaults.

The Passive Base Rate (PBR) reached 10% on May 9, a level not seen since October 2009. The banks set their interest rate according to the PBR and charge an additional margin.

Growing Demand for Fixed Rate Loans in Costa Rica

May 2011

Interest rates fixed for 20 years being offered by banks are increasing the demand for mortgages.

Four banks are currently promoting mortgage loans with fixed interest rates.

Credit for housing rose by almost 6% from February 2010 to February 2011, an increase which could accelerate at the end of the year because of these programs.

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