National Bank of Kazakhstan allows for possibility of reducing base rate in 2H 2026

ASTANA. March 6 (Interfax) - The National Bank of Kazakhstan plans to consider lowering the base rate in the second half of the year if inflation decelerates, the regulator said.

"If inflation slows sustainably and there are no new inflationary shocks, then the possibility of lowering the base rate in the second half of 2026 could be considered," the National Bank said in a press release.

"There is no room for easing monetary policy to date under the current conditions," the National Bank said.

The monetary policy committee of the National Bank decided on Friday to maintain the base rate at 18% per annum. The base rate has been at this level since October 2025.