Friday, February 4, 2011

BSP says policy remains appropriate

MANILA, Philippines - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' monetary policy remains appropriate, Deputy Governor Diwa Guinigundo said on Friday after data showed annual inflation in January rose to its highest since September.

"Unless inflation expectations becomes disanchored, and we have no evidence of that as yet, we can say that monetary policy continues to be appropriate," Guinigundo said in a mobile text message to Reuters.

"BSP remains alert as to potential inflation shocks and prepared to adjust as and when necessary."

The BSP will hold a policy meeting on February 10. The overnight borrowing rate has been at a record low of 4% since July 2009. (report from Reuters / abs-cbnNEWS.com)