(AP Photo)KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia’s central bank left its benchmark interest rate unchanged, as expected, as economic growth strengthens and inflation moderates. The Monetary Policy Committee said growth in 2017 will be stronger than earlier expected. Economic growth has surpassed economists’ expectations for four quarters, while the currency is heading for its first annual gain in five years. Speculation is starting to mount on whether the central bank may need to tighten monetary policy to ward off any inflation threats as growth picks up. Malaysia’s household debt of about 88% of gross domestic product is among the highest in the region, according to the central bank.

Source: Bangkok Post September 07, 2017 07:52 UTC