Business Daily Media

Men's Weekly

.

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) raises interest rate after a long pause: implications for the ringgit

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach - 26 May 2023 - BNM's decision to raise the interest rate was an attempt to stabilise the Malaysian ringgit. The OctaFX experts believe that along with the weak exchange rate, the widespread subsidisation of Malaysians increased pro-inflation risks, forcing the BNM to raise the rate.



BNM raises interest rate.jpeg

Bank Negara Malaysia's (BNM) Monetary Policy Committee raised the overnight policy rate (OPR) by 25 basis points to 3.00% on 3 May 2023. This move comes after two meetings where rates remained unchanged. The main reasons behind the increase are the continuing high inflationary pressure and the weakened national currency.

The Central Bank also said it wanted to do away with extensive subsidies, which, in addition to being available to all citizens regardless of wealth, had considerable pro-inflationary pressure, straining the state treasury. Nevertheless, the policy change has had an effect. According to 1Q2023 statistics, the domestic demand is growing along with an overall improvement in working conditions.

'The contractionary monetary policy pursued by Bank Negara Malaysia looks justified, given the extensive subsidy program, and suggests a high probability of further rate hikes,' said Kar Yong Ang, the OctaFX financial market analyst.

Following BNM's decision, the ringgit initially gained 0.3% against the USD. However, the positive effect proved short-lived, as two weeks later, the ringgit lost more than 1.0% and is now approaching historic lows. If the downward trend continues, the next target for USDMYR is 4.75, marking a 24-year low not seen since the Asian financial crisis.

According to Kar Yong Ang, 'the continued weakening of the national currency increases inflationary pressures, prompting the regulator to adopt a more rigid position. Nevertheless, achieving rate normalisation will require time, even with additional interest rate hikes and subsidy cuts. Higher global interest rates, a risk-off environment, and sluggish growth of China's economy will further weaken the ringgit in 2Q2023 and early 3Q2023.'

Hashtag: #OctaFX

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About OctaFX

is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services already utilised by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 21 million trading accounts. Free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools they provide help clients reach their investment goals.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In the APAC region, OctaFX managed to capture the 'Best Forex Broker Malaysia 2022' award and the 'Best Global Broker Asia 2022' from Global Banking and Finance Review and International Business Magazine, respectively.

News from Asia

Highbrow Unveils Its New Beauty Salon at The Adelphi

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 June 2025 - HighBrow, one of Singapore’s most trusted names in brow, lash, and nail care, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new beauty salon at The...

Cyberport 5 as Hong Kong's New I&T Landmark

Driving Emerging Strategic Industries Development Heralding a New Chapter in Integration of I&T and the Community HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 June 2025 - The Cyberport ...

VinFast signs dealer financing cooperation agreement with BCA

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 June 2025 - VinFast has officially entered into a pivotal financial partnership with PT Bank Central Asia Tbk. (BCA), one of Indonesia's leading p...

Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair Return in August with New Coffee Zone and Expanded Halal Sector

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 June 2025 - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair will be staged concurr...

Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair: One-Stop F&B Platform Returns in August

Spotlighting Food Science & Tech HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 June 2025 - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong Internat...

The best CFD broker 2025': Octa receives yet another award

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 June 2025 - Octa, a globally regulated and trusted broker since 2011, was recently named 'The best CFD broker 2025' by the AllForexRating.com...

DHL Express completes the modernization of its Air Hong Kong-operated fleet to boost Asia Pacific network capacity and fuel efficiency

14 A330 freighters in total have been added to the regional network, retiring the previous A300-600F fleet This is part of DHL Express's ongoing investment to enhance its network ...

Rethinking Obesity: Novo Nordisk’s Latest Initiative Urges Singaporeans to Treat, Not Blame

“Beyond the Scale” focuses on obesity as a chronic disease — urging empathy, early intervention, and evidence-based care. SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 June 2025 - Imagine a chronic dis...

Trend Micro to Deliver AI Factory with Dell and NVIDIA for Secure Infrastructure at Scale

Platforms to accelerate secure AI adoption for modern IT environments HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 June 2025 - Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecur...

HKICPA renews its Mutual Recognition Agreement with ACCA

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 June 2025 - The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) is delighted to announce its renewal of Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)...

Demand for Home Batteries surges as Federal Rebate Kicks In

A leading provider of energy solutions VoltX Energy has seen a 400% increase in demand for home batteries in the past three weeks as people put d...

Why Sport Remains the Safest Bet in an Uncertain World

When Rome was in crisis, its leaders did not retreat to the Senate. They went to the circus. To the chariot races. To the gladiators. Sport was no...

THE FINE LINE WITHIN HILARIOUS SIGNAGE DESIGN FAILS

It seems like design failures still occur in today’s modern branding era, despite rigorous rounds of approvals behind the scenes. One signage show...

Deputy Announces Exclusive Global Partnership with Predelo to Bring AI to Shift-Based Businesses

Deputy, the global people platform for shift-based businesses, has announced an exclusive partnership with Predelo, an AI Decision Agent-as-a-Serv...

Leftover Budget? The Last-Minute EOFY Tip to Drive Business Success in FY25/26

The countdown is on. With just days left until EOFY, now’s the time to make your remaining 2024–2025 budget work harder and smarter. After workin...

pay.com.au appoints new CEO and Managing Director

The former COO will lead the company’s next growth phase, with ex-CEO Edward Alder transitioning into the role of Managing Director AUSTRALIA, 25...

Sell by LayBy