News about Bank Negara

At the current level, BNM said it “considers the monetary policy stance to be appropriate and supportive of the economy amid price stability”.

“Despite external risks, BNM remains upbeat on domestic demand, supported by a strong labour market, policy measures, and sustained investment from infrastructure and development initiatives,” RHB Investment Bank said.

On July 9, BNM announced that the ceiling and floor rates of the OPR corridor were correspondingly reduced to 3% and 2.

“While the domestic economy is on a strong footing, uncertainties surrounding external developments could affect Malaysia’s growth prospects,” BNM said.

About half of 23 economists polled predict a cut from 3%, while the rest expect the central bank to stand pat.

"If the Fed stays on hold for longer, or the unwinding of fuel subsidies sends inflation too high, BNM may be content to keep the OPR at 3%.

“Continued observations of preferences for more flexible tenancy contracts and hybrid work arrangements suggest adjustments in supply still have some way to go.

The new proposal also requires FSPs to verify the actual purpose of the financing by requesting supporting documents from the financial consumer before treating additional financing as home financing.

Bank Negara Malaysia: "At the current OPR level, the monetary policy stance remains supportive of the economy and is consistent with the current assessment of inflation and growth prospects.

Bank Negara Malaysia resisted pressures to raise the overnight policy rate last November, and “we expect the same this week”, HSBC said.