Economists expect Türkiye to lower interest rates to 48.5%

By Burhan Sansarlioglu

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye's Central Bank is expected next week to lower interest rates by 150 basis points to 48.5%, according to an Anadolu survey on Friday.

If the bank lowers the rate, it will be first such move since January 2023, nearly two years ago.

The last monetary policy committee meeting of the year will be held next Thursday to announce the bank's decision on interest rates.

Ten out of 14 economists surveyed forecast a decline from the meeting, ranging between 47.50% and 50%, while four said they expected no change.

The average of economists' 2025 year-end policy rate expectations was 29.5%.

At last month’s meeting, the policy rate was left unchanged at 50%.

From May 2023 until this March, the bank raised the rate from 8.5% to 50%, and at the last eight meetings kept the rate constant.

* Writing and contributions by Gokhan Ergocun