Technical manager Hernando Vargas presented the Banco de la República's Monetary Policy Report, highlighting the interest rate hike and lower-than-expected GDP growth.
Hernando Vargas, technical manager of Banco de la República, explained that total inflation reached 5.6% in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 0.5 points since December. Core inflation hit 5.8%, after rising 0.8 points.
The board raised the interest rate by 200 basis points between January and March to restore a disinflationary stance. Vargas stated that "it is evident that raising interest rates brings down inflation and not the other way around".
First-quarter GDP grew 2.1%, below the 3.2% forecast. The issuer now projects 2.4% growth for 2026 and 2.1% for 2027, while inflation would end 2026 at 6.4% and fall to 3.7% in December 2027.