INTERVIEW-Oil price may dampen market rebound-IMF economist

WASHINGTON, May 16 (Reuters) - Rising global oil prices could significantly dampen progress that has been made so far in calming financial markets, the International Monetary Fund's chief economist said on Friday.

Simon Johnson told Reuters in an interview that banks that suffered losses as a result of a U.S. originated mortgage lending crisis have had greater-than-expected success in raising new money but he worried that progress could be derailed by soaring energy costs.

"News from credit markets has been good and that is reassuring people," Johnson said. "I think though that we are worried the oil price increase, depending on what happens if oil prices stay at this level, will have significant dampening effects," he added. (Reporting by Lesley Wroughton; editing by Diane Craft)