Var analysis and monetary transmission mechanism in Kazakhstan

Abstract

We explore monetary policy transmission by estimating VAR impulse response functions to illustrate the Kazakhstan economy’s response to unexpected changes in policy.This article helps to evaluate the work of the main channels of the monetary policy transmission mechanism, namely, the work of the interest rate channel, exchange rate, and lending channel in the Republic of Kazakhstan, by the help of vector regression model (VAR). It was revealed that the main transmission channel in the study period from 2005 to 2019 in Kazakhstan was the exchange rate channel.The other two remaining channels of the monetary policy transmission mechanism (the bank lending channel and the interest rate channel) were of secondary importance.We find a significant exchange rate pass-through to prices, and interest rate policy following, rather than leading, financial market developments. Our estimated monetary policy reaction function shows the central bank striking a balance between real exchange rate stability and containing inflation. We discuss dollarization, administrative interventions, and other features complicating monetary policy transmission, review specific constraints and vulnerabilities, and conclude with observations on possible measures that could raise the effectiveness of monetary policy in Kazakhstan.