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Malaysia central bank keeps interest rate at 3%

Bank Negara notes that the current overnight policy rate level remains supportive of the economy and is consistent with the current assessment of inflation and growth prospects

 Tan Ai Leng
Published Thu, Sep 5, 2024 · 04:55 PM — Updated Thu, Sep 5, 2024 · 06:00 PM
    • Bank Negara Malaysia expects the country's growth momentum to persist, supported by resilient domestic expenditure, increased export activity and robust expansion in investment activities.
    • Bank Negara Malaysia expects the country's growth momentum to persist, supported by resilient domestic expenditure, increased export activity and robust expansion in investment activities. PHOTO: REUTERS

    [KUALA LUMPUR] Bank Negara Malaysia held its benchmark overnight policy rate (OPR) steady at 3 per cent on Thursday (Sep 5), a widely expected move by economists amid a buoyant outlook on the country’s economic growth, inflation and ringgit performance.

    All 30 economists in a recent Reuters poll anticipate that the central bank will keep the OPR at 3 per cent at least till 2025, while some of them expect the rate to stay unchanged until 2026, citing robust economic growth and manageable inflation as key factors influencing this decision.

    Bank Negara last adjusted the OPR in May 2023, concluding a year-long tightening cycle that resulted in a total increase of 125 basis points.

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