Inflation risks prompt BSP to hike rates anew
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) delivered its biggest interest rate hike in more than three years yesterday, as worsening inflation pressures prompted a more aggressive monetary policy response. At its fifth policy meeting this year, the Monetary Board raised its benchmark rate by 50 basis points to 5.50 percent. The larger-than-expected increase marked the BSP’s fourth consecutive rate hike this year and its first 50-basis-point adjustment since February 2023.