Cambodia Maintains World’s Highest Central Bank Interest Rates, Defying Global Trends

• 5 November 2024
• Local News
• 1053 Views

In the third quarter of 2024, Cambodia continues to lead global markets, with central bank interest rates soaring between 10% and 12%, starkly contrasting with the 0% to 6% range maintained by most major economies. This divergence, detailed in a report by CBRE Cambodia published on 17 October 2024, spans the period from December 2021 to December 2024, revealing the Bank of Cambodia’s steadfast approach to high rates, which remain two to three times higher than those of leading developed countries.

Amid the global financial landscape, central banks in Asia exhibit varying rate policies, with China’s rates at approximately 3.5% to 4%, Singapore’s around 3.5%, India’s close to 6%, and Japan’s near-zero rates. The West follows suit with lower benchmarks; the US Federal Reserve’s rate hovers near 4.5%, slightly trending downward, and the European Central Bank’s rate is set at around 4%, with potential further easing on the horizon.

Cambodia’s elevated rates underscore the significant difference in monetary policy between the Kingdom and other major markets, reflecting distinctive economic objectives, policy approaches, and development phases. The World Bank’s recent inclination towards interest rate cuts has raised speculation about whether Cambodia might eventually align with international trends or continue to uphold its higher rate strategy.

This unique positioning in the global financial arena could have profound implications for investment flows, economic growth, and monetary policy efficiency within the country. As the only market to maintain such elevated rates, Cambodia stands out with potential risks and rewards in its economic trajectory, making its central bank’s stance a critical area of focus for investors and analysts alike.

• Analysis
• Economy and Finance