Very unlikely BNM will follow FED because our economy is not performing well. Last year inflation was up due to GST. This year inflation will continue worsen due to weak ringgit. We are seeing a cost push inflation and Malaysia economy is moving towards the down turn phase, increasing the OPR will worsen the economy further.
US reported high oil inventory and this will affect the oil prices and hurt the country revenues. To stimulate the economy, government is depending on China on its fscal policy as government has no excess money on spending.
BNM has to play with the OPR on its monetary policy to spur growth. Increasing the OPR will reduce the money supply in the market and will drive down the economy. Personnaly I think the OPR will remain throughout in the next 6 months.
if Malaysia economy can recover in 2-3 years with GDP climbing up and with a demand pull inflation, then only a big increase in OPR is possible. There are also other external factors which will affect the OPR. Ringgit exchange rate, BREXIT effects (BNM reacted to it when British voted BREXIT), South China Sea tension, Trump economic policy, global economy etc.
Ideally 36 months at 4.35% is good to lock in but now Am offer is 60 months. Nobody has the crystall ball. If one perceives the economy will not be doing well in the next 5 years, 4.35% is a good rate.
Attended CB's Citigold seminar last night. CB's opinion is M'sia would not be raising interest rate anytime soon.
AmBank was having 4.5/4.55/4.6% 3/5/2 years FD respectively in 2015. I still has these running. The current 5 yrs 4.35%, is not attractive. Agreed that if it is 3 years then can still consider.