TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Central Bank (中央銀行) maintained interest rates unchanged Thursday (Sept. 18) amid global economic uncertainty. The bank's board kept rates steady at 2% for rediscount, 2.375% for secured loans, and 4.25% for short-term accommodation. Officials cited ongoing economic challenges requiring cautious monetary policy approach.
The Central Bank projects domestic inflation will drop below 2% this year with modest economic growth expected next year. Officials maintained the seventh wave of selective credit control measures targeting real estate loan concentration. The bank committed to closely monitoring domestic and international economic conditions for policy adjustments.
Central Bank Governor Yang Chin-long (楊金龍) highlighted persistent real estate market risks during the meeting. Yang noted that real estate loan concentration has not decreased sufficiently despite existing measures. The governor emphasized maintaining current housing market controls while continuing vigilant oversight of lending practices.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰), Taiwan's cabinet leader, urged financial institutions to ease lending restrictions for young buyers. The Executive Yuan, Taiwan's cabinet, exempted the "Youth Home Ownership Loan Enhancement Program" (青年安心成家購屋優惠貸款精進方案) from Banking Act Article 72-2 constraints. The policy change aims to support young homebuyers amid housing affordability challenges.