Pakistan's central bank holds key policy rate at 11.5%

Channel NewsAsia (CNA)State / PublicCenter8 hr. ago

Pakistan's central bank, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), decided to maintain its key policy rate at 11.50% in July 2026, keeping it unchanged from the previous month. The decision was made amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions threatening to raise energy costs and inflation, especially given Pakistan's reliance on imports. SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad noted that inflation might decrease in July and could continue declining if conflicts remain stable. He also mentioned that the revised GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year ending June 2026 is expected to improve, with growth projected between 3.5% and 4.5% for the following year. The Monetary Policy Committee warned that volatile commodity prices and the El Niño weather pattern could still affect economic outcomes. Additionally, the bank highlighted that debt servicing costs would be lower due to reduced interest payments and improved debt management, with foreign exchange reserves reaching $17.3 billion by mid-July and aiming for over $20 billion by year-end.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced overview of the central bank's monetary policy decision, including both the implications of international tensions and domestic economic indicators. While it mentions the geopolitical context, it does not take a clear ideological stance on the policy itself. The tone,

Channel NewsAsia (CNA)State / PublicCenter19 hr. ago

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) tightened monetary policy again in July 2026, contrary to most analyst expectations. This follows a previous tightening in April, both aimed at managing inflationary pressures by strengthening the Singapore dollar. MAS stated that while the economy is expected to grow strongly in the second half of the year, external price pressures will still affect consumers. The central bank emphasized maintaining the current exchange rate policy band without changing its width or center point, opting instead to adjust the rate of appreciation slightly. Analysts had largely predicted no change, though a minority anticipated tightening. MAS also revised its inflation forecast upward for 2026.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the actions and statements of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) as factual updates, without overtly favoring any political ideology. While the topic involves economic policy, which can be politically sensitive, the framing remains neutral, focusing on data, forecasts, và