Paraguay Keeps Interest Rates Unchanged in June

2026-06-23 20:43 By Isabela Couto 1 min. read

The Central Bank of Paraguay kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 5.50% during its June 2026 meeting.

Policymakers said the economy remained resilient, with the IMAEP rising 3.4% year-on-year in April and the ECN increasing 3.0%.

Annual inflation stood at 2.4%, while core inflation was 1.1%, both below the central bank’s 3.5% target.

Abroad, policymakers noted stronger-than-expected US labor market data and rising inflation, with headline inflation reaching 4.2% in May.

The US Federal Reserve kept rates steady at 3.50%-3.75%, though markets continue to price in further tightening.

Meanwhile, Brent crude fell below $80 per barrel as geopolitical tensions eased after a provisional US-Iran agreement and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Soybean, corn, and wheat prices also moved lower.

The decision to hold rates signals that policymakers continue to view the current stance as neutral, balancing strong growth with moderate inflation.



News Stream
Paraguay Keeps Interest Rates Unchanged in June
The Central Bank of Paraguay kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 5.50% during its June 2026 meeting. Policymakers said the economy remained resilient, with the IMAEP rising 3.4% year-on-year in April and the ECN increasing 3.0%. Annual inflation stood at 2.4%, while core inflation was 1.1%, both below the central bank’s 3.5% target. Abroad, policymakers noted stronger-than-expected US labor market data and rising inflation, with headline inflation reaching 4.2% in May. The US Federal Reserve kept rates steady at 3.50%-3.75%, though markets continue to price in further tightening. Meanwhile, Brent crude fell below $80 per barrel as geopolitical tensions eased after a provisional US-Iran agreement and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Soybean, corn, and wheat prices also moved lower. The decision to hold rates signals that policymakers continue to view the current stance as neutral, balancing strong growth with moderate inflation.
2026-06-23
Paraguay Central Bank Holds Rate at 5.50%
The Central Bank of Paraguay kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 5.50% during its May 2026 meeting. Policymakers noted that markets expect the US Federal Reserve to raise interest rates early next year. In commodity markets, oil prices remained highly volatile amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, while soybean, corn, and wheat prices increased due to adverse weather, higher production costs, and stronger global demand. Domestically, Paraguay’s Monthly Economic Activity Indicator grew 8.2% year-on-year in March, supported by services, manufacturing, and the primary sector. The Business Turnover Estimate also rose 9.2%, reflecting stronger sales across several categories. Meanwhile, consumer prices increased 0.8% in April, mainly driven by higher fuel prices, lifting annual inflation to 2.3%. Inflation expectations remained anchored at 3.5% for both the next 12 months and the monetary policy horizon.
2026-05-22
Paraguay Holds Interest Rate at 5.5%
The Central Bank of Paraguay maintained its benchmark interest rate at 5.50% at its April 2026 meeting. The committee cited global uncertainty and the IMF's downward revision of world growth to 3.1%. At the national level, the IMAEP grew by 3.8% year-on-year in February, with strong momentum in services and construction. Business sales (ECN) expanded by 4.8%, and consumer confidence remained in positive territory. Monthly inflation was 0.8% in March, putting the annual rate at 1.9%, with expectations anchored at 3.5% and a projected annual GDP growth of 4.2%. The central bank reaffirmed its commitment to price stability.
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