Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Bank of Israel Cuts Rate 25 Basis Points to 4.25% in First Easing in Nearly Two Years

Markets anticipated the move after inflation cooled to 2.5% with geopolitical risks easing following a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire.

Overview

  • The quarter-point reduction brings the benchmark rate to 4.25%, aligning Israel with a broader shift toward global monetary easing.
  • Official data showed October inflation at 2.5%, squarely within the Bank of Israel’s 1–3% target range after wartime supply pressures receded.
  • Governor Amir Yaron told Reuters that uncertainty remains high and said two additional 25-basis-point cuts by September 2026 are a reasonable pace.
  • The bank last cut rates in January 2024, then held a cautious stance through the two-year conflict as price pressures persisted.
  • Analysts had widely expected the decision, which is projected to ease burdens on mortgage holders and other variable-rate borrowers.