Published: 12.04.2018

The principal changes in the assets and liabilities of Latvijas Banka on the 31 March 2018 balance sheet as compared to 28 February 2018 and the reasons for these changes.

In March 2018, loans granted as a result of targeted longer-term refinancing operations by Latvijas Banka increased by 53 million euro or 27.2%.

In March 2018, other claims on euro area credit institutions denominated in euro decreased by 298.6 million euro, mainly on account of short-term loans granted as emergency liquidity assistance.

Following the decisions of the Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) on the expanded asset purchase programme (APP), the balance sheet item "Securities held for monetary policy purposes" grew by 6.4 million euro or 0.1% in March 2018, mostly on account of the purchase of securities.

In March 2018, deposits of credit institutions increased by 248.8 million euro or 4.9% as reflected in the balance sheet item "Liabilities to euro area credit institutions related to monetary policy operations denominated in euro".

Mainly as a result of cross-border payments received and made by credit institutions and Latvijas Banka, a decline was recorded in liabilities to the ECB reported under the balance sheet item "Liabilities related to TARGET2 and national central bank correspondent accounts (net)", reflecting the settlement result in the TARGET2 settlement system.

J. Caune
Chief Accountant
Latvijas Banka