Banco de la República
Colombia's central bank raises rate to 11.25% in second 2026 hike amid government walkout
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Following its January hike to 10.25%, Colombia's Banco de la República raised its intervention rate by another 100 basis points to 11.25% in a tight 4-3 vote during its second meeting of the year. Finance Minister Germán Ávila walked out of the board meeting and announced the government's withdrawal from the central bank over disagreements. President Gustavo Petro backed the move and criticized the monetary policy.
Banco de la República posted profits of $2.67 trillion for February 2026, a drop of 8.49% from the same period in 2025. Total income reached $3.10 trillion, down 9.12%. The decline stems mainly from weaker performance in international reserves.
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Colombia's Public Credit Directorate awarded one-year TES bonds at a cut-off rate of 13.494% in the March 24 auction, setting a new historical high. With 5.29% inflation, this yields a real rate near 8.2%. The outcome signals heightened fiscal risk perception among investors.
The Banco de la República decided to keep the interest rate at 9.25% for October 2025, citing inflation rising for the third consecutive month. President Gustavo Petro reacted by stating that rates will only fall with the next board appointment. Manager Leonardo Villar clarified that the next appointment is scheduled for February 2029.
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Analysts agree that the Banco de la República's Board will keep the interest rate at 9.25% in its October 31, 2025 meeting. This stems from persistent inflation and fiscal risks, despite the recent US Federal Reserve rate cut. Annual inflation hit 5.18% in September, above the 3% target.