The SBV Governor on February 25 signed a decision, which will take effect on March 1, extending the 8 percent rate for a fourth consecutive month.

Commercial banks have recently adjusted their deposit interest rate to approximately 10.5 percent – the ceiling level fixed by the SBV – to mobilise capital. However, the rate adjustment, even with plus promotions, has not attracted as many clients as expected.

Analysts say people still want to invest in gold, which is currently seeing a slump in prices, and iin other highly profitable areas such as securities and real estate.