BNM reduces OPR to 1.75 pct, lowest since 2004

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) today reduced the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) by another 25 basis points to 1.75 per cent, a record low since the floor was set in 2004.

In a statement today, it said the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to have the ceiling and floor rates of the corridor of the OPR correspondingly reduced to 2.00 per cent and 1.50 per cent, respectively.

"The impact of COVID-19 on the global economy is severe. Global economic conditions remain weak with global growth projected to be negative for the year," it said.

It added that the reduction in the OPR will provide additional policy stimulus to accelerate the pace of economic recovery.

"The MPC will continue to assess evolving conditions and their implications on the overall outlook for inflation and domestic growth. The Bank will continue to utilise its policy levers as appropriate to create enabling conditions for a sustainable economic recovery," it said.

The central bank added that although a trough is expected in the second quarter, broad-based weakness in the labour market and precautionary behaviour by households and businesses could affect the recovery going forward.

"Several major economies have begun relaxing measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the gradual resumption of economic activity. Financial conditions have improved, although risk aversion remains elevated.

"Downside risks to the global outlook remain, especially if a resurgence of the pandemic necessitates the reintroduction of containment measures," it said.

For Malaysia, BNM said that the economic activity contracted sharply in the second quarter of the year, due to measures introduced to contain the pandemic globally and domestically.

"Following the gradual and progressive re-opening of the economy since early May, economic activities have begun to recover from the trough in the second quarter. The fiscal stimulus packages, alongside monetary and financial measures, will continue to underpin the improving economic outlook," it said.

BNM also said that the projected improvement in the domestic economy is expected to be further supported by a gradual recovery in global growth conditions.

The pace and strength of the recovery, however, remain subject to downside risks emanating from both domestic and external factors.

"These include the prospect of further outbreaks of the pandemic leading to re-impositions of containment measures, more persistent weakness in labour market conditions, and a weaker-than-expected recovery in global growth," it said.

Meanwhile, BNM said inflationary pressures are expected to be muted this year as average headline inflation is likely to be negative this year, primarily reflecting the substantially lower global oil prices.

"The risks of a broad-based and persistent decline in prices are assessed to be limited as economic activity resumes and demand conditions improve. Nevertheless, the outlook remains significantly affected by global oil and commodity prices. Underlying inflation is expected to be subdued and within expectations," it added.

-- BERNAMA