Asian Central Banks Adjust Interest Rates to Fight Global Inflation

亞洲央行調整利率以對抗全球通貨膨脹

Jun 18, 2026, 09:34
AsiaFinance

Introduction

Several central banks in Asia have raised their interest rates to stop their currencies from losing value and to control rising prices. These decisions are largely influenced by the monetary policies of the United States Federal Reserve.

數家亞洲央行已調高利率，以防止貨幣貶值並控制物價上漲。這些決定在很大程度上受到美國聯準會貨幣政策的影響。

Main Body

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) recently increased its policy rate to 1%, the highest level since 1995. This change happened despite initial doubts from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Reports suggest that the decision was influenced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who argued that raising rates now would prevent bigger problems in the future. Furthermore, after a meeting between Takaichi and BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda on May 22, the bank began preparing for the hike. However, the yen has still fallen in value, reaching 160.795 per dollar. Consequently, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated that the government is ready to intervene in the currency markets to protect households and businesses from high import costs, although previous attempts totaling 11.7 trillion yen only provided temporary stability.

日本銀行 (BOJ) 最近將政策利率調高至 1%，為 1995 年以來最高水平。儘管首相高市早苗最初持有懷疑，但此次調整仍予以實施。有報導指出，此決定受到美國財政部長 Scott Bessent 的影響，他主張現在調高利率可防止未來出現更嚴重的問題。此外，在高市與日銀行長植田和男於 5 月 22 日會面後，該行開始準備加息。然而，日圓價值依然下跌，觸及 1 美元兌 160.795 日圓。因此，內閣官房長官紀原實表示，政府已準備干預貨幣市場，以保護家庭和企業免受高進口成本影響，儘管先前總計 11.7 兆日圓的干預僅提供了暫時性的穩定。

At the same time, other countries in the region are taking similar actions. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) raised its rate by 0.25% to 4.75%, which is its second increase in a row. Governor Eli Remolona emphasized that more unplanned changes may be necessary to reach the 3.0% inflation target, especially as conflicts in the Middle East keep energy prices high. Similarly, Bank Indonesia raised its rate for the third time in a month to 5.75%. This strategy aims to stabilize the rupiah and attract foreign investment. Overall, these actions show a regional effort to close the gap between local interest rates and the higher rates signaled by the US Federal Reserve.

與此同時，該地區其他國家也在採取類似行動。菲律賓央行 (BSP) 將利率調高 0.25% 至 4.75%，這是其連續第二次加息。行長 Eli Remolona 強調，為了達到 3.0% 的通膨目標，可能需要更多非計劃性的調整，尤其是中東衝突使能源價格居高不下。同樣地，印尼央行在一個月內第三次將利率調高至 5.75%。此策略旨在穩定印尼盾並吸引外國投資。整體而言，這些行動顯示出區域性努力，旨在縮小當地利率與美國聯準會所暗示的高利率之間的差距。

Conclusion

Asian financial authorities continue to adjust interest rates to stabilize their currencies and lower inflation in response to global economic instability.

亞洲金融主管持續調整利率，以應對全球經濟不穩定，進而穩定貨幣並降低通貨膨脹。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 The 'Connector' Leap: Moving from A2 to B2

At the A2 level, you use simple sentences: "The bank raised rates. The yen fell." To reach B2, you must glue these ideas together to show cause and effect.

🛠️ The Magic Glue: Logical Connectors

Look at how the article transforms basic facts into a professional narrative using these specific words:

  • Consequently →\rightarrow Used instead of "so".

    • Example: "The yen has still fallen... Consequently, the government is ready to intervene."
    • B2 Logic: This signals that the second action is a direct result of the first.

  • Despite →\rightarrow Used instead of "but".

    • Example: "This change happened despite initial doubts..."
    • B2 Logic: This shows a contrast. It means "even though there were doubts, the action happened anyway."

  • Furthermore →\rightarrow Used instead of "and also".

    • Example: "Furthermore, after a meeting... the bank began preparing."
    • B2 Logic: This adds a new, important piece of information to strengthen your argument.

📈 Comparative Analysis

A2 Style (Basic)B2 Style (Advanced)
The prices are high, so the bank raised rates.Consequently, the bank raised rates to control rising prices.
Takaichi had doubts, but the rate increased.The rate increased despite initial doubts from Takaichi.
The BSP raised rates. They also want to reach a target.The BSP raised rates; furthermore, they aim to reach a 3.0% target.

Coach's Tip: To sound like a B2 speaker, stop starting every sentence with 'And', 'But', or 'So'. Replace them with these transitions to immediately upgrade your professional image.

Vocabulary Learning

influenced (v.)
To have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.
Example:The company's decision was heavily influenced by the recent change in government regulations.
intervene (v.)
To become involved in a difficult situation in order to improve it or prevent it from getting worse.
Example:The government decided to intervene in the market to prevent prices from skyrocketing.
temporary (adj.)
Lasting for only a limited period of time; not permanent.
Example:The new law provided a temporary solution, but a permanent fix is still needed.
emphasized (v.)
To give special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The teacher emphasized the importance of reviewing the vocabulary before the final exam.
stabilize (v.)
To make something steady, firm, or unchanging.
Example:The central bank raised interest rates to stabilize the national currency.
instability (n.)
The state of being unstable; a lack of predictability or reliability.
Example:Political instability in the region has led to a decrease in foreign investment.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→