Earlier pre-emptive OPR reduction in July expected to provide additional lift to growth for 2025, into 2026, says BNM Governor

Analysts, banks foresee potentially bumpy 2026 due to US tariffs, policy uncertainty

Central bank notes that latest indicators suggest continued expansion in global economic growth

Retention indicates current rate is conducive to economic stability, growth, says analyst

Moody's Analytics says this comes amid growing global uncertainty

BNM likely to maintain OPR at 2.75 per cent as optimism mounts over potential US Federal Reserve rate cut next month

Revision of growth numbers unnecessary as completion of negotiations with US reduces uncertainty, says Abdul Rasheed

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 — Economists have projected the Malaysian economy to expand between 4.5 per cent and 5.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2025 (2Q 2025), driven partly by increased export demand, especially from the United States (US) importers due to heightened fears of an impending tariff in August.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 — Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) recent overnight policy rate (OPR) cut could create a more favourable lending environment and reinforce confidence for property buyers, according to PropertyGuru and iProperty Malaysia country manager Kenneth Soh.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 — A resilient consumption rate is expected to remain a key driver of Malaysia’s economic growth, cushioning the heightened global trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainties, said MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 — GX Bank Bhd said the overnight policy rate (OPR) cut to 2.75 per cent from three per cent could potentially address the household debt service ratio while providing a reprieve in disposable income.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 — The Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd (MARC Ratings) forecasts the Malaysian economy to grow by 4.4 per cent in 2025, down from 5.1 per cent in 2024, as external trade uncertainties dampen export momentum.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) decision to lower the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 25 basis points to 2.75 per cent is a prudent and proactive measure amid global economic uncertainties.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd, RHB Banking Group, and Public Bank Bhd have revised their standardised base rate (SBR), base rate (BR), and base financing rate (BFR), following Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) decision to reduce the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 25 basis points (bps), from 3.00 per cent to 2.75 per cent today.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) decision to cut the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by 25 basis points to 2.75 per cent is a proactive stance to stimulate business activity, sustain domestic demand, bolster growth and maintain Malaysia’s economic resilience.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 9 — The ringgit closed lower against the greenback today as concerns over US tariffs continued to dominate market sentiment.

KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 — Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank IB) expects Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to lower its overnight policy rate (OPR) by 25 basis points (bps) at the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting to be held on July 9, 2025.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — CIMB Securities Sdn Bhd is maintaining its 2025 gross domestic product (GDP) forecast for Malaysia at 4.0 per cent and believes that Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) may reduce the overnight policy rate (OPR) in the third quarter of 2025 (3Q 2025).

KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 — No decision has been made yet regarding the overnight policy rate (OPR) cuts, but Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) will ensure that its monetary policy stance remains conducive to sustainable economic growth amid price stability, said BNM governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 — The ringgit closed lower against the US dollar on Thursday as confidence in the greenback is deemed to have returned.