BSP seen pausing if inflation reverses

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) could pause its tightening cycle if inflation slows faster than expected and lower global energy costs feed through more quickly into domestic prices. This contrasts with the prevailing expectation of continued but gradual tightening as inflation pressures remain elevated and second-round effects continue to shape policy decisions. Citi, which still expects the BSP to deliver two additional 25-basis point hikes this year, said a change in the inflation momen