Commercial Bank Interest Rate Spreads in Jamaica -Measurement, Trends and Prospects-

The factors that determine the level of commercial bank lending rates are important concerns to policy makers, the banking industry and the public at large. From a policy perspective, lower lending rates are desirable, as they tend to have a positive influence on new and existing investments, improve the competitiveness of Jamaican businesses and contribute to growth and development. These welfare effects would lead to generally higher living standards and financial surpluses. On the other hand, well known studies of developed country markets have shown that profits in the banking industry tend to rise as...