Interest rate: Its behavior, determination, and implications for the Brazilian economy

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the behavior and the factors that determine the interest rate and its impact on conducting the macroeconomic policy in Brazil through the period of July 1994 to August 2004. Thus, the article attempts to address answers for three main questions: why real interest rates are high in Brazil and what are the main forces that stand behind their determination? What are the economic implications if real interest rates remain high? What can be done to reduce real interest rates from their present levels? Results obtained show that the main reasons for high real interest rates were found to be in: reducing and controlling the high rates of inflation, vulnerability of the foreign sector, high public debt, and the market structure of the banking sector. More over, it was argued that high real interest rates have perverse effects for economic growth and economic stability. To reduce interest rates from their present levels, certain recommendations were suggested with regard to monetary policy, fiscal policy, foreign sector, and competitive policy in the banking system.