The Bank of Israel on Monday raised its benchmark interest rate by another quarter of a percentage point, the ninth straight meeting it has increased rates amid a battle against inflation that remains above 5%.
"Economic activity in Israel is at a high level, and is accompanied by a tight labor market, although there is some moderation in a number of indicators," the bank said in its decision.
The central bank lifted its key rate to 4.5% - its highest level since 2007 - from 4.25%. Last April, policymakers began raising the rate from 0.1% and have been aggressive during a front-loading process, but most analysts believe the tightening cycle is close to over.
Despite the rate hikes, Israel's annual inflation rate stood at 5.2% in February, slightly lower than a 14-year high of 5.4% in January but well above the government's 1%-3% annual target range.
At the same time, Israel's economy grew a faster-than-expected 6.4% in 2022, although growth is expected to slow to below 3% this year amid the steep rate hikes.
(Reuters)