At its meeting on 16 August 2004, the Monetary Council considered the latest economic and financial developments and decided to reduce the central bank base rate by 50 basis points, from 11.50% to 11.00%, with effect from 17 August 2004. The Council is releasing a separate press statement on its assessment of economic conditions underlying the decision.

The Monetary Council discussed the August 2004 issue of the Quarterly Report on Inflation. The Council is releasing its own press statement in relation to the Report.