Turkey’s central bank lowered its main interest rate for the first time in almost two years, pointing to slower consumer demand and the currency’s strength for a larger-than-expected cut of 250 basis points.

Turkey’s central bank is expected to deliver its first interest rate cut in nearly two years on Thursday, with major banks divided on the size of the reduction.

By Akin Nazli in Belgrade The monetary policy committee (MPC) of Turkey’s central bank on December 26 cut its policy rate by 250bp to 47.5% (chart). The market was aware that a rate cut was on the cards.