Colombia cenbank raises benchmark lending rate - RTRS

30-Jan-2012 16:12

BOGOTA, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Colombia's central bank unexpectedly raised its benchmark interest rate on Monday as policy makers opted to stave off inflationary pressures and cool credit growth while keeping an eye on the local currency and global financial turmoil.

It upped the rate 25 basis points to 5 percent.

(Reporting By Jack Kimball) ((Jack.kimball@thomsonreuters.com; +57 1 634 4090; Reuters Messaging: jack.kimball.reuters.com@reuters.net))