Malaysia central bank keeps key rate at 3%, flags weaker global outlook

Bank Negara Malaysia's decision in line with market expectations

Following its decision to maintain interest rates, Bank Negara Malaysia said the economy performed well in the first quarter, but risks to its growth outlook were tilted to the downside, © Reuters

May 8, 2025 17:24 JST

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -- Malaysia's central bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Thursday despite an expected slowdown in economic growth due to a global trade war.

Bank Negara Malaysia maintained its overnight policy rate (OPR) at 3.00%, where it has been since May 2023, as had been expected by 24 of 30 economists in a Reuters poll.