The Zambian economy has been facing significant macroeconomic challenges as reflected in low growth, high fiscal deficits; rising inflation and debt service obligations as well as low international reserves. The outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has compounded the situation, resulting in unprecedented global public health and economic crises. Although the full impact of the COVID-19 shock on public health and the economy cannot be determined at the moment, indications are that it will be unprecedented. The Bank of Zambia has introduced a number of measures to address the impact of the pandemic on the economy.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), at its May 18 -20, 2020 meeting, decided to lower the policy rate by 225 basis points to 9.25%. The Bank has also introduced a K10 billion stimulus package to give the economy a boost.

Required: 

Critically analyze the performance of the downward revision of monetary policy in May 2020 and the Targeted Medium-term Refinancing Facility on the Zambian financial markets.