Updated
Updated · ING Think · Aug 24
Hungary Sees 25bp Rate Cut to 5.50% as 1.2% Inflation Strengthens Easing Case
Updated
Updated · ING Think · Aug 24

Hungary Sees 25bp Rate Cut to 5.50% as 1.2% Inflation Strengthens Easing Case

3 articles · Updated · ING Think · Aug 24

Summary

  • A 25 basis-point cut on Aug. 25 would take Hungary’s base rate to 5.50%, extending the central bank’s summer “mini rate-cut cycle” but likely bringing that phase close to an end.
  • July inflation of 1.2% year on year came in below the central bank’s own forecast band, reinforcing expectations that September staff projections will mark down the inflation path further.
  • ING now sees the base rate falling below 5% by year-end, with a 4.75% terminal rate after three more cuts if no new geopolitical or energy shock derails easing.
  • Markets have already priced about 70bp of easing, while the forint has tested 366-367 per euro before recovering toward 362; analysts still see room for more cuts to be priced in if global sentiment improves.

Insights

With Hungary's inflation plunging, could a sudden hawkish Federal Reserve completely derail the MNB's aggressive rate-cut strategy?
As the central bank slashes rates, will unexpected domestic fiscal stimulus trigger a hidden inflation trap that shatters economic forecasts?