Central Bank of Egypt Holds Rates for Third Straight Meeting as June Inflation Eases to 14.3%

Egypt's central bank Monetary Policy Committee left key interest rates unchanged on Thursday, July 9, 2026, for the third consecutive meeting this year. The overnight deposit rate was held at 19%, the overnight lending rate at 20%, the main operation rate at 19.50%, and the discount rate at 19.50%. The decision followed June inflation data showing annual urban consumer inflation eased to 14.3%, down from 14.6% in May; prices fell 0.4% month on month, driven mainly by a 3.2% monthly drop in food and beverage prices. The central bank noted that renewed risks from US Iran tensions could prompt caution in future rate decisions.