BUDAPEST. MARCH 26. INTERFAX CENTRAL EUROPE - The Monetary Policy Council (MPC) of Hungary's central bank MNB decided at its Monday meeting to leave the base rate unchanged at 8.00% for the fifth month in a row, in line with market expectations.
While the recent strengthening of the forint has given rise to speculation that the MPC may start cutting rates earlier than previously thought, most analysts have recently pointed out that current inflation and wage data do not conclusively point to a deceleration of inflation or an easing of inflation expectations.
Central bank officials, including new MNB governor Andras Simor, will hold a press conference about the rate decision later on Monday afternoon.