Colombia Hikes Policy Rate by 100bps to 11.25%

2026-03-31 19:01 By Felipe Alarcon 1 min. read

The Central Bank of Colombia raised its policy rate by 100 bps to 11.25% in its March meeting where four board members voted for the increase, two voted for a 50 bp reduction and one voted to keep the rate unchanged.

The board noted that headline inflation in February was 5.3%, above end-2025 (5.1%), while core inflation rose to 5.5% and inflation expectations showed a marginal descent in March, analysts’ median fell to 6.3% for end-2026 and stayed at 4.8% for end-2027, with market-based expectations near 7%.

Indicators for the fourth quarter show the economy grew 2.2% and the technical team estimates GDP grew 2.6% in 2025.

The current-account deficit is impacted by mixed terms of trade due to higher oil prices and costlier imports like gas.

Uncertainty about external conditions remains elevated due to the war in Iran, global economic stability, and inflationary pressures from imported fertilizers.

The committee said the decision is aimed at bringing inflation onto a declining path.



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Colombia Hikes Policy Rate by 100bps to 11.25%
The Central Bank of Colombia raised its policy rate by 100 bps to 11.25% in its March meeting where four board members voted for the increase, two voted for a 50 bp reduction and one voted to keep the rate unchanged. The board noted that headline inflation in February was 5.3%, above end-2025 (5.1%), while core inflation rose to 5.5% and inflation expectations showed a marginal descent in March, analysts’ median fell to 6.3% for end-2026 and stayed at 4.8% for end-2027, with market-based expectations near 7%. Indicators for the fourth quarter show the economy grew 2.2% and the technical team estimates GDP grew 2.6% in 2025. The current-account deficit is impacted by mixed terms of trade due to higher oil prices and costlier imports like gas. Uncertainty about external conditions remains elevated due to the war in Iran, global economic stability, and inflationary pressures from imported fertilizers. The committee said the decision is aimed at bringing inflation onto a declining path.
2026-03-31
Colombia Hikes Policy Rate to 10.25%
The Central Bank of Colombia raised its policy rate by 100 bps to 10.25% in its January mmeting where four board members voted for the increase, two voted for a 50 bp reduction and one voted to keep the rate unchanged. The board noted that headline inflation in December was 5.1%, slightly below end-2024 (5.2%), while core inflation rose to 5.02% and inflation expectations jumped in January, analysts’ median rose to 6.4% for end-2026 and to 4.8% for end-2027, with market-based two-year expectations above 6%. Indicators for the fourth quarter suggest the economy maintained good dynamism and the technical team estimates GDP grew 2.9% in 2025. The current-account deficit is estimated at 2.4% of GDP for 2025. Uncertainty about external conditions remains elevated due to trade tensions, migration measures in the US, geopolitical conflicts and sovereign-risk perceptions. The committee said the decision is aimed at bringing inflation onto a declining path.
2026-01-30
Colombia Central Bank Holds Interest Rate at 9.25%
The Central Bank of Colombia kept its benchmark rate unchanged at 9.25% in November 2025. Four board members supported holding rates, while two favored a 50 bp cut and one backed a 25 bp reduction. The board noted that inflation in October remained above end-2024 levels and that inflation expectations one and two years ahead increased. GDP grew 3.4% year-on-year in the third quarter, above forecasts, driven by a 5.6% expansion in total consumption. Policymakers also cited fiscal uncertainty following the failure to approve the Financing Law and a current account deficit of 2.4% of GDP in the third quarter. Despite accommodative global financial conditions after further US rate cuts, elevated geopolitical risks persist. The bank reaffirmed a cautious stance, with future decisions guided by inflation dynamics, economic activity, and domestic and external risks.
2025-12-19