Analysts expect gentle slide in interest rates to continue throughout the y ear

The National Bank of Poland (NBP) is expected to order a 25 base point inte rest rate cut later this month, which would bring its main market rate down to 5.75%. Out of 13 analysts polled, nine expected a quarter-point rate red uction at the Monetary Policy Council meeting ending on April 24, while four expected no move. All of those surveyed expected further reductions this ye ar with accumulated rate cut forecasts ranging from a further 25 to 100 bas is points by the end of the year. The main money market intervention rate, now at 6%, has been coming down ever since peaking at 19% in early 2001, mo st recently in small, quarter-point moves. The Warsaw Interbank Offered Rate three-month deposits is seen falling to just over 5.2% by the end of the ye ar from the current rate of 5.9%. (Reuters) A.K.