正如预期的那样,南非储备银行于2024年11月21日将关键利率下调25个基点至7.75%,使借贷成本降至2023年4月以来的最低水平。政策制定者强调,虽然通胀在短期内得到了很好的控制,但中期前景存在重大的不确定性和上行风险。该行指出,10月份整体通胀率降至2.8%,低于3%-6%的目标范围,反映出与去年相比汇率走强和油价下跌,这些暂时的供应冲击预计将使通胀率在2025年中期之前保持在4%以下。2024年的通胀预测从4.6%下调至4.5%,而2025年的预测保持不变,为4%,由于电价上涨,2026年的预测从4.4%上调至4.6%。关于经济增长,央行将2024年的预测保持在1.1%,将2025年的预测从1.6%提高到1.7%,并将2026年的预期稳定在1.8%。
The South African Reserve Bank reduced its key interest rate by 25 basis points to 7.75% on November 21st, 2024, as anticipated, bringing borrowing costs to their lowest level since April 2023. Policymakers stressed that while inflation is well-contained in the short term, the medium-term outlook carries significant uncertainties and potential for upside risks. The Bank noted that headline inflation dipped below its target range of 3%-6% at 2.8% in October, reflecting a stronger exchange rate and lower oil prices compared to last year, with these temporary supply shocks expected to keep inflation below 4% until mid-2025. The 2024 inflation forecast was revised down to 4.5% from 4.6%, while the 2025 estimate remained unchanged at 4%, and the 2026 projection was raised to 4.6% from 4.4% due to higher electricity prices. Regarding economic growth, the central bank kept its 2024 forecast at 1.1%, increased its 2025 projection to 1.7% from 1.6%, and held its 2026 forecast steady at 1.8%.