Economics

Indonesia Cuts Rates, Signals More Easing as Growth Weakens

  • Most economists surveyed expected cut after two straight holds
  • Central bank joins government in slashing its growth forecast
A sign sits above the entrance to the Bank Indonesia headquarters in Jakarta.Photographer: Dimas Ardian/Bloomberg
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Indonesia’s central bank cut its benchmark interest rate for the first time in three months and lowered its growth outlook for the year, days after the government warned of a severe hit to the economy from the coronavirus pandemic.

Bank Indonesia lowered its seven-day reverse repurchase rate by 25 basis points to 4.25% on Thursday, ending a two-month pause. Fifteen of 22 economists in a Bloomberg survey correctly predicted the decision, while the rest saw no change.