Central bank to keep rates unchangedNO NEED: As the government has taken measures to stabilize prices amid Middle East tensions, there is no need to account for its impact on rates, the central bank head saidBy Crystal Hsu / Staff reporterTaiwan’s central bank yesterday kept key interest rates unchanged for the eighth consecutive quarter, sharply raised its GDP growth forecast and eased credit limits on second-home mortgages, signaling confidence in the economy while supporting self-occupying buyers amid a cooling property market. The central bank said it would leave the discount rate, collateralized lending rate and short-term lending rate at 2 percent, 2.375 percent and 4.25 percent respectively. The central bank did not factor in Middle East tensions partly because the government has announced measures to stabilize prices. On housing, the central bank said it would moderately ease restrictions on second-home mortgages to accommodate genuine demand. Banks would continue submitting monthly reports on property lending, and the central bank would conduct inspections to monitor compliance and lending concentration, he added.

Source: Taipei Times March 19, 2026 16:04 UTC