The central bank left interest rates unchanged this time. Here's why a pause matters.

Originally reported as: “Monetary board keeps benchmark rate on hold, signals data-dependent stance”

After a stretch of rate hikes, the central bank decided to keep its benchmark interest rate exactly where it was. A pause like this usually means policymakers think they have done enough for now and want to watch how the economy responds before moving again. It doesn't signal that rates will fall soon, only that the bank is waiting for more data. For borrowers and savers, holding steady means loan and deposit rates are likely to stay roughly where they are in the near term.