CBE keeps interest rates unchanged for third consecutive meeting in 2026

CAIRO - 9 July 2026: The Central Bank of Egypt's (CBE) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on Thursday kept key policy interest rates unchanged for the third consecutive meeting this year, as it continues to monitor inflation developments and the broader economic outlook.

 

The MPC left the overnight deposit rate at 19 percent, the overnight lending rate at 20 percent, and the main operation rate at 19.50 percent. The discount rate was also maintained at 19.50 percent.

 

In a statement, the central bank said the decision reflects the committee's assessment of current inflation dynamics and the evolving outlook since its previous meeting.

 

The latest decision extends the CBE's pause in monetary easing after the committee opted to leave borrowing costs unchanged in its previous two meetings, amid continued monitoring of inflationary pressures and domestic and global economic developments.

 

Markets had been closely watching the meeting for signals on the central bank's policy direction as policymakers balance inflation risks with economic growth.

 

Earlier, data from the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) revealed that Egypt’s annual inflation rate eased to 12.2 percent in June 2026, compared to 13 percent in May, as consumer prices fell by 0.9 percent month-on-month, supported by lower prices for several essential food items.

 

CAPMAS reported that the general consumer price index for the whole republic stood at 289.5 points in June, reflecting a monthly decline of 0.9 percent from May.