Business

BNM can cut interest rates, support economy: Kenanga Research

Any decision to alter central bank's policy path depends on impact from large fiscal stimulus

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 17 Dec 2020 12:07PM

BNM can cut interest rates, support economy: Kenanga Research
Kenanga Research sees a higher probability that Bank Negara Malaysia will keep the overnight policy rate unchanged at 1.75%, on the back of improvement in some segments of the economy. – Shutterstock pic, December 17, 2020

KUALA LUMPUR – Kenanga Research expects Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to do the necessary to support the economy if the pace of recovery falters over the coming months, as it still has ample room to cut interest rates.

However, any decision to alter its policy path will be determined by the impact from the large fiscal stimulus, which has, so far, been promising, given the third quarter of 2020 gross domestic product growth performance, the research firm said in a note today.

“Since the economy might suffer from the latest wave of Covid-19 outbreaks, it would increase the likelihood of the easing cycle resuming.

“Nonetheless, for now, we see a higher probability that BNM would keep the overnight policy rate unchanged at 1.75%, on the back of improvement in some segments of the economy, as well as positive development on Covid-19 vaccine,” it said. – Bernama, December 17, 2020

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