Bank Negara Malaysia’s monthly update showed headline and core inflation both eased to 1.9% in June from 2% in May, reflecting lower external cost pressures and inflation across several core items. Lower retail fuel inflation drove the headline decline, while base effects for streaming services and softer global gold prices reduced core inflation. The Index of Wholesale and Retail Trade slowed to 3.1% in May as weaker wholesale trade and motor vehicle sales outweighed stronger retail growth. Credit to the private non-financial sector remained stable at 6.4%, with business loan growth rising to 7.2% and household loan growth moderating to 5.3%. Banks maintained sound asset quality and liquidity, with gross and net impaired loan ratios at 1.4% and 1%, respectively, and an aggregate Liquidity Coverage Ratio of 149.7%. Expectations of a possible US rate increase by end-2026 contributed to a 2.6% depreciation of the ringgit against the US dollar in June, while 10-year MGS yields rose 4 basis points and the FBM KLCI fell 1.1%.
Bank Negara Malaysia2026-07-31
Bank Negara Malaysia reports inflation easing to 1.9% as private-sector credit growth holds at 6.4%
Bank Negara Malaysia reported that headline and core inflation eased to 1.9% in June, while private non-financial sector credit growth held at 6.4%. Banks maintained sound asset quality and ample liquidity, but the ringgit weakened 2.6% against the US dollar amid shifting expectations for US interest rates.