Private sector deposits totaled $91.2 billion. Deposits have increased by an average of $1.6 billion monthly since last February.

January was the only month with decreases in deposits ($42 million), a yearly recurring phenomenon that is partially due to the adjustments of end-of year balance sheet window dressing.

Deposits in liras rose by 31.5 percent from end-2008 and by 48 percent year-on-year. Deposits in foreign currencies increased by 11 percent. The average deposit interest rate on liras decreased to 6.94 percent, compared to 7.18 percent a year earlier.

The deposit rate on dollars was 3.16 percent, down from 3.57 percent in September 2008. Loans to the private sector amounted to $28 billion, up 11 percent from end-2008 and 12.5 percent year-on-year. The ratio of private sector loans to deposits in foreign currencies stood at 40 percent, well below the 70 percent limit set by the Central Bank.