Remarks by Governor John Rolle Quarterly Press Briefing 3rd Quarter 2026
Key figures, First three quarters of 2026: External reserves $2.8B, vs $2.9B estimate a year earlier; Private sector credit growth 6.1%, vs 4.3% over same nine months in 2025; Non-performing loans rate 4.5%, from 5.0% at the same point in 2025; Bank FX purchases $6.6B, grew 13.9%. Source: Central Bank of The Bahamas.
The Bahamian economy kept expanding over the first three quarters of 2026, with growth expected above 3.0%. Tourism gains accelerated, private credit growth reached about 6.1%, reserves stood at $2.8 billion at end-October, and inflation rose on higher import and energy costs.
Why it matters:Strong tourism, investment and credit growth support banking and hospitality activity, while rising inflation, softer reserve growth and trade and geopolitical risks add near-term caution for lenders and investors. (Positive development)