Bank Negara seen holding OPR on Thursday as global rate pressures build
KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia is expected to keep the overnight policy rate (OPR) unchanged at 2.75 per cent this week, with resilient domestic demand and manageable inflation giving it room to stay on the sidelines.
KUALA LUMPUR: Analysts predict Bank Negara Malaysia will maintain the overnight policy rate (OPR) at 2.75 percent during their upcoming meeting on Thursday. This decision is supported by strong domestic demand, manageable inflation, and the central bank's capacity to remain cautious. Resilient domestic demand, government policy backing, AI and data center investments, and sustained tourism activity contribute to these factors, according to economist Lee Sue Ann.
The OPR has stayed at 2.75 percent since July 2025, following a 25 basis point cut. Malaysia's robust economic growth, driven by services and manufacturing, including data centers and AI-related exports, has reinforced the case for steady rates. Inflation remains relatively contained despite external pressures from the Middle East conflict, with headline inflation averaging 1.9 percent in the second quarter of 2026.
The relatively stable domestic situation contrasts with a more challenging monetary policy environment in other regions, where concerns about inflation are prompting several central banks to consider rate hikes.
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