Sarb ‘pauses’ hiking cycle on improved inflation outlook

South African monetary policy committee votes five-to-one to leave rates on hold; governor stresses central bank is not reversing policy

Lesetja Kganyago
Governor Lesetja Kganyago: "It is a pause, not a reversal." Photo by Elske Kritzinger
Elske Photography

The South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) saw "some room" to pause its tightening cycle today (May 19), as the monetary policy committee (MPC) held its key rate at 7%.

The MPC said the previous rate hike in March had contributed to an improvement in the inflation outlook, although it "remains concerned". Annual CPI inflation dropped to 6.2% in April, but is expected to peak at 7.3% in the fourth quarter.

Five members preferred to hold the policy rate today, while one wanted a 25 basis point increase

Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.

To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@centralbanking.com or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.centralbanking.com/subscribe

You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@centralbanking.com to find out more.

Sorry, our subscription options are not loading right now

Please try again later. Get in touch with our customer services team if this issue persists.

New to Central Banking? View our subscription options

Register for Central Banking

All fields are mandatory unless otherwise highlighted

This address will be used to create your account

You need to sign in to use this feature. If you don’t have a Central Banking account, please register for a trial.

Sign in
You are currently on corporate access.

To use this feature you will need an individual account. If you have one already please sign in.

Sign in.

Alternatively you can request an individual account

.