FILE PHOTO: A security guard stands beside a logo of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines) posted at the main gate in Manila, Philippines April 28, 2016. “We do not rule out any possibility of further rate hikes unless there is consistent improvement in the successive months’ inflation prints. Median forecasts showed rates at 6.75% until mid-2024, with a first rate cut seen as coming in Q3 - later than predicted in a poll taken before the recent surprise hike. “To maintain the strength of the peso, the BSP needs to ensure a healthy interest rate differential with the U.S. Therefore, a pause by the U.S. Fed adds to a case that BSP will do likewise,” said Sarah Tan, economist at Moody’s.

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Persons: Romeo Ranoco, Eli Remolona, ”, Debalika Sarkar, “, Sarah Tan Organizations: ng Pilipinas, Central Bank of, REUTERS, Reuters, ANZ, U.S Locations: BENGALURU, Philippine, Philippines, Manila