BSP to maintain easy money policy

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has announced that it will maintain its easy money policy in the coming months. This decision comes as the country continues to grapple with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The BSP has been implementing a series of measures to support the economy since the pandemic hit the Philippines in early 2020. These measures include cutting interest rates, reducing reserve requirements for banks, and providing liquidity support to financial institutions.

The central bank has also launched a number of lending programs to help businesses and households affected by the pandemic. These programs include the Peso Rediscount Facility, the Financial Institutions’ Subsidy Program, and the Credit Risk Mitigation Program.

In a statement, BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said that the central bank will continue to support the economy through its monetary policy tools. He noted that the BSP’s policy stance remains accommodative, with interest rates at historic lows and ample liquidity in the financial system.

Diokno also emphasized the importance of maintaining price stability, which is one of the BSP’s primary mandates. He said that the central bank will closely monitor inflation and adjust its policy stance as needed to ensure that inflation remains within its target range of 2-4%.

The BSP’s decision to maintain its easy money policy is expected to provide further support to the economy, which is still reeling from the impact of the pandemic. The country’s gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 9.5% in 2020, the worst performance in decades.

However, there are concerns that the BSP’s policy stance could lead to inflationary pressures in the future. Some analysts have warned that the central bank’s low interest rates and liquidity support could fuel asset price bubbles and lead to higher inflation.

To address these concerns, the BSP has said that it will closely monitor financial stability risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them. The central bank has also emphasized the need for fiscal reforms and structural changes to support sustainable economic growth in the long term.

Overall, the BSP’s decision to maintain its easy money policy reflects its commitment to supporting the economy during these challenging times. However, the central bank will need to balance its support for growth with its mandate to maintain price stability and financial stability in the years ahead.