At the end of June, the tenge exchange rate weakened by 5.5% to 471.84 tenge per US dollar. The average daily trading volume on the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange decreased from 251 to 183 million US dollars over the course of the month, contributing to a total trading volume of 3.7 billion US dollars.
In June, currency sales from the National Fund to ensure transfers to the republican budget reached 420 million US dollars, which comprised 11% of the total trading volume, with daily amounts capped at 21 million US dollars. While managing transactions involving the National Fund assets, the National Bank followed the principle of market neutrality, ensuring a consistent and even-handed approach to foreign currency sales. This strategy is aimed at minimizing the impact of National Fund operations on the foreign exchange market.
To sustain the foreign currency share of the Pension Fund’s assets at 30%, the National Bank continued its purchase of foreign currency in June, totaling 293 million US dollars, which comprised approximately 8% of the overall market volume.
There were no currency interventions conducted by the National Bank in June.
Looking ahead to July 2024, based on preliminary government forecasts for transfers to the republican budget, the National Bank anticipates foreign currency sales from the National Fund ranging between 450 and 550 million US dollars. Additionally, foreign currency purchases to maintain the foreign currency share of the Pension Fund’s assets in July are expected in the range from 250 to 350 million US dollars.
Remaining committed to ensure transparency, the National Bank pledges to continue providing comprehensive information on all foreign exchange market transactions. In the short term, the trajectory of the tenge will be driven by market expectations, quarterly tax payments, global market conditions, and geopolitical developments. The National Bank reaffirms its dedication to the flexible exchange rate regime aimed at preventing imbalances and safeguarding gold and foreign exchange reserves.
