Sunday, May 27, 2007

Dramatic Interest Rate Cut in Iran Sends Banks into Shock and People into Panic

Thanks to Roberts Spencer of Jihad Watch, where I became aware of this story…

THE GUARDIAN:

· President's shock order defies expert advice
· Bank shares plummet amid rampant inflation


Iran's financial system suffered a fresh jolt yesterday with panic selling on the stock market after the president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, abruptly ordered banks to cut interest rates sharply, despite surging inflation.

The order, which Mr Ahmadinejad issued by telephone during a visit to Belarus and which flew in the face of expert advice - has triggered warnings of a financial crisis and spiralling corruption amid fears of a capital flight from the country's lending institutions. Iran interest rate cutsparkspanic selling (more) By Robert Tait

Mark Alexander