Philippines boosts rates despite economic slowdown

The Philippine central bank hiked its key interest rates by a decade-high 50 basis points on Thursday as it moved to curb inflation, while downplaying the impact its action would have on slowing economic growth.

The monetary authority acted hours after the government announced a 6.0 per cent growth in the second quarter, a sharp slowing that ended a run of 10 consecutive quarters in which the economy grew at least 6.5 per cent.

It blamed the lower-than-expected figures on policy decisions, including the shutdown of holiday island Boracay, which pumps roughly $1 billion into the nation’s economy per year.

But with prices increasing at a five-year high of 5.7 per cent in July, central bank governor Nestor Espenilla said inflation was the priority, while stressing the gross domestic product growth rate was “pretty decent” and economic expansion was not at risk.

“Favourable conditions arising from sustained domestic growth also suggest that the economy can accommodate a further tightening of monetary policy settings,” Espenilla said.

The central bank on Thursday raised its inflation forecasts to 4.9 per cent this year and 3.7 per cent in 2019, up from 4.5 per cent and 3.3 per cent respectively.

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