Norway central bank says inflation doubts to keep rates on hold for some time
Updates currency in 3rd paragraph, adds inflation in 6th paragraph, background in paragraphs 8-11
ARENDAL, Norway, Aug 15 (Reuters) -Norway's central bank held its policy interest rate unchanged at a 16-year high of 4.50% on Thursday, as unanimously expected by analysts in a Reuters poll, and said a tight stance will likely be needed for some time to combat inflation.
"Based on our current assessment of the outlook, the policy rate will likely be kept at the current level for some time ahead," Norges Bank Governor Ida Wolden Bache said in a statement.
The Norwegian crown initially weakened but later turned higher to trade at11.75against the euro EURNOK= by 0847GMT, up from 11.76 just before the announcement.
Norges Bank's monetary policy committee in June pushed back its prediction for a rate reduction to the early part of 2025 from September, citing above-target inflation and currency weakness that keeps import prices high.
But it made no mention on Thursday of when it might begin cutting, pointing instead to "uncertainty about future economic developments", and said it was particularly concerned with the inflation implications of the Norwegian crown's movements.
The currency has weakened since June, and whilecore inflation eased in July to 3.3% year-on-year, below the central bank's own forecast of 3.7%, price growth still remains well above the 2.0% target.
"The committee will have received more information about economic developments ahead of its next monetary policy meeting in September, when new forecasts will be presented," Norges Banksaid in a statement.
Economists have been divided over when Norges Bank might start easing monetary policy amid falling global inflation and a lowering of rates elsewhere, with some expecting a cut in the fourth quarter and others pointing to 2025.
A majority of participants in the Aug. 7-12 poll predicted a first rate cut by year-end and four more reductions in 2025 to end next year at 3.25%, below the central bank's June forecast of 3.75%.
Norges Bank is scheduled make its next announcement and present revised long-term rate predictions on Sept. 19.
The Bank of England on Aug. 1 became the latest major central bank to start an easing cycle , cutting rates from a 16-year high and thus following the lead of Switzerland, Sweden, the European Central Bank and others.
Reporting by Gwladys Fouche in Arendal, editing by Terje Solsvik and Toby Chopra
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