Interest Rates

Bitcoin recovered quickly after the Bank of Japan raised rates on June 16, then slipped following Federal Reserve signals the next day.

17 Mwezi wa sita, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

The Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.50%-3.75% on Wednesday in the first policy decision under new Chair Kevin Warsh. Policymakers signaled a more hawkish stance by raising projections for rates and inflation through 2028. Bitcoin and major stock indexes slipped after the announcement.

The South African Reserve Bank kept its repo rate unchanged at 6.75% on Thursday, citing the ongoing Iran war and rising oil prices. Governor Lesetja Kganyago said inflation remains on target but could accelerate if the conflict persists. The bank warned of potential rate hikes later this year.

27 Mwezi wa pili, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Colombia's Superintendencia Financiera reported that the usury rate for March stands at 25.52% effective annual rate, up 0.29 percentage points from February's 25.23%. This increase mirrors market interest rate adjustments. Institutions like Coltefinanciera and Banco Unión have rates closest to the cap.

Colombia's central bank may hike its policy rate by 50 basis points to 9.75% at its January 30 meeting, according to analysts surveyed by Anif and Corficolombiana. The move would address 2025 inflation of 5.15% and a 23% minimum wage increase that has boosted inflation expectations. The global context, with steady Fed rates and Brazil's policy, shapes the local outlook.

21 Mwezi wa kwanza, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

The rupiah rebounded at Thursday's market opening in Jakarta on January 22, 2026, reversing the previous day's weakening toward Rp17,000 per US dollar. The gain was driven by market euphoria over Bank Indonesia's decision to maintain the benchmark interest rate at 4.75 percent, alongside government fiscal measures for economic recovery. Analysts forecast trading in the Rp16,900-Rp16,950 range.