News in Brief(14-02-2018)

Lankan central bank to maintain current rates

COLOMBO, Feb 13: Sri Lanka's central bank is expected to keep key interest rates unchanged on Thursday, a Reuters poll showed, but a surprise rate cut is not ruled out to quash uncertainty after coalition partners in the country's government suffered a loss in local polls. Eleven of 13 economists in the survey predicted the central bank would keep its standing deposit facility rate (SDFR) and standing lending facility rate (SLFR) unchanged at 7.25 per cent and 8.75 per cent, respectively. One analyst predicted a 0.25 basis point cut in both SDFR and SLFR, while another expected a 0.25 increase in the SLFR.-- Reuters

Taiwan raises 2018 growth forecast

TAIPEI, Feb 13: Taiwan nudged up its 2018 economic growth forecast on Tuesday, as strong exports continue to drive economic momentum, while consumption and private investment gradually improve. The trade-reliant economy has reaped the rewards of recovering growth in its key markets as well as from strong demand for semiconductors and other electronics. Taiwan's factories play a major role in the global technology supply chain. — Reuters

Britain's inflation remains at 3.0pc

LONDON, Feb 13: Britain's annual inflation rate remained at 3.0 per cent in January, holding near to a six-year peak, official data showed on Tuesday. The news comes less than one week after the Bank of England warned that it could lift interest rates more quickly than expected to help bring down inflation. — AFP