Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) maintained its overnight policy rate (OPR) (MYINTR=ECI) at 3.00%, in line with market expectations, and following an unexpected rate hike in May.
"At the current OPR level, the monetary policy stance remains supportive of the economy and is consistent with the current assessment of the inflation and growth prospects," the central bank said in a statement.
All 27 economists polled by Reuters had expected Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to maintain the benchmark rate, with most forecasting no change till the end of the year.
BNM said growth prospects in Malaysia could be affected by the risks of weaker-than-expected external demand.
The central bank estimates headline inflation to average between 2.8% to 3.8% in 2023, compared with 3.3% last year.
Persons:
Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, BNM, Danial Azhar, Rozanna, Jacqueline Wong
Organizations:
Bank Negara Malaysia, Bank Muamalat, Reuters, Thomson
Locations:
KUALA LUMPUR, Bank Muamalat Malaysia, Bank, Malaysia