The central bank left its benchmark rate unchanged this week, a decision markets had largely anticipated after a softer run of inflation data.
In prepared remarks, officials emphasised that policy remains “data dependent” and declined to commit to a timeline for any future move.
Economists broadly welcomed the pause as consistent with a soft-landing scenario, though some warned that holding rates high for too long carries its own risks for jobs and investment.
Attention now turns to the next set of figures, which analysts say will shape whether the bank begins easing later in the year.
