Paraguay’s central bank kept its policy rate at 5.50% in August 2026, citing strong domestic activity and subdued inflation. Economic activity grew 5.6% year-on-year in June, broadly matching its 4.5% growth forecast for 2026, while business sales increased 4.1%. Annual inflation slowed to 1.6% in July, core inflation was 1.3% and 12-month inflation expectations remained anchored at 3.5%. The bank expects inflation to rise gradually to 3.3% by December before converging to 3.5% over the policy horizon. External risks included geopolitical tensions, elevated oil prices and expectations of a higher-for-longer Federal Reserve rate path. Separately, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas raised its benchmark overnight reverse repurchase rate by 25 basis points to 5.00% from 4.75%, its third consecutive increase since April and a cumulative tightening of 75 basis points. The benchmark lending rate rose to 5.50%, while the overnight deposit facility rate increased to 4.5%. The Philippine central bank said the phased tightening would help anchor inflation expectations and limit second-round effects, while indicating it was prepared to take further measures if necessary. July inflation eased to 6.2% from 6.4% in June but remained well above the 2%–4% target range; core inflation fell to 4.2% from 4.4%. Second-quarter GDP grew 2.3% year-on-year, the slowest pace since 2021, although the central bank said medium-term growth fundamentals remained intact and fiscal support should strengthen activity in the second half. Volatile crude oil prices, El Niño-related agricultural risks, imported energy costs, potential wage adjustments, Middle East tensions and peso depreciation of nearly 5% against the US dollar in 2026 could influence the next policy decisions. Bank Indonesia and Bank of Thailand held their rates unchanged at recent meetings, underscoring the Philippines’ more inflation-focused policy stance. Paraguay’s next policy meeting is scheduled for September 21st.