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Economics vocabulary · Central Banks and Interest Rates

Hawkish

Meaning in economics, with examples

/ˈhɔːkɪʃ/adjectiveCommon term

In economics, hawkish means: Favouring higher interest rates or tighter monetary policy because controlling inflation is seen as the top priority.

In Turkish: şahin, sıkı duruşlu

How it is used

Market and media jargon for central bankers and their statements: a hawkish speech, a hawkish surprise, the hawks on the committee. A statement can sound more hawkish than expected, which usually strengthens the currency.

Example sentences

  1. The governor's hawkish comments suggested that more rate hikes are coming.

  2. Markets read the statement as hawkish, and bond yields jumped.

Common collocations

  • a hawkish stance
  • hawkish comments
  • sound hawkish
  • a hawkish surprise
  • the hawks
  • dovishFavouring lower interest rates or looser monetary policy, usually because supporting growth and jobs seems more urgent than fighting inflation.
  • rate hikeAn increase in the central bank's main interest rate, usually made to cool demand and bring inflation down.
  • monetary policyThe actions a central bank takes to influence interest rates, the money supply and credit in order to control inflation and support the economy.
  • central bankThe national institution that issues a country's currency, sets the main interest rate and works to keep prices and the financial system stable.

More terms: Central Banks and Interest Rates

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not financial advice.