Open AccessMonetary Policy Convergence within the EAC: A Focus on Interest Rate and Exchange Rate
Author(s) -
Michael Oloo,
Mary Mbithi,
Daniel Okado Abala
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of economics and public finance
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2377-1046
pISSN - 2377-1038
DOI - 10.22158/jepf.v7n5p49
Subject(s) - convergence (economics) , economics , exchange rate , interest rate , unit root , unit root test , monetary policy , economic and monetary union , panel data , monetary economics , international economics , macroeconomics , european union , econometrics , cointegration
This study was conducted to establish whether the key variables in monetary policy transmission mechanisms are converging within the East African Community. This region is eyeing having an economic union and subsequently a monetary union hence the significance of investing developments in the monetary sector. The analysis used panel data from the year 2005 to 2020 for five EACs. To test for convergence of interest rates and exchange rates, the analysis employed; unit-root test, sigma convergence, co-integration tests, and finally used the panel fixed effect model to establish the impact of the two variables on the GDP. The analysis shows that in the short run, there is no convergence in interest rates but there is convergence in exchange rates. However, in the long run, the two monetary policy variables are co-integrated indicating that the region is doing well in terms of integration in the financial sector in their preparation to form a common trade area and monetary union. The analysis of the impact of the two variables on economic growth shows that only the exchange rate is significant, therefore, the region should strive to foster a stable exchange rate regime to realize increased economic growth.