Bank Negara Malaysia - BNM (Central Bank of Malaysia) kept its overnight policy rate at 3% in its second meeting of the year, in line with analyst expectations, citing steady domestic growth and manageable inflation. The central bank stated that economic momentum should persist into 2025, supported by employment growth, consumer spending, and public and private sector investments. The government maintained its GDP growth forecast at 4.5%-5.5% for 2024 but warned of risks from the escalating global trade war and potential US tariffs on semiconductor imports, a key Malaysian export. Inflation is projected to average 2%-3.5% in 2025, up from 1.8% in 2024, with limited price pressure expected from wage increases and subsidy reductions. BNM noted that external factors will largely influence the ringgit, which strengthened 0.2% to 4.42 against the dollar following the decision. The ringgit was the best-performing emerging market currency in 2023 after BNM measures to repatriate overseas income. While Malaysia has resisted the global easing trend, the central bank signaled vigilance towards inflation and growth risks, suggesting that the 3% policy rate could be maintained throughout 2025. (ICE KUALA LUMPUR)

Fonte notizia: 13 marzo 2025, Kuala Lumpur