Following Bank Negara decision to increase the overnight policy rate (OPR) by 25 basis points last week, banks have begun to raise their base lending rates (BLRs). Bank Negara last week increase the OPR from 2% to 2.25%. Bank Negara raised the OPR as the economy has improved significantly and returned to its path to recovery.
So far BSN, Maybank, CIMB Bank, Public Bank, Hong Leong Bank, RHB Bank, Standard Chartered & HSBC announced their interest rate hike by 25 basis points from 5.55% to 5.8%. Other banks are expected to announce their decision soon. On the bright side, the increase in OPR & BLR also will result in increase in the interest gain from saving account, current account and fixed deposit.