Philippine central bank chief says August rate cut 'more likely' than before

Keeps key interest rate on hold for now amid lingering inflation worries

20240515 Philippine central bank

Economists expect the Philippine central bank to cut its key policy rate later in 2024. © Reuters

RAMON ROYANDOYAN, Nikkei staff writer

MANILA -- The Philippine central bank's chief said that an interest rate cut in August is "somewhat more likely than before" during a news briefing on Thursday that followed a decision to keep its key rate on hold for now.

After a monetary board meeting, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) maintained its benchmark rate at a 17-year high of 6.50% amid lingering inflation concerns and as it waits for cues from the U.S. Federal Reserve. The bank pursued a series of hikes in 2023 in a bid to rein in inflation.

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