*Chile’s central bank (BCCh) has maintained its benchmark interest rate at 5%, following cuts of 25 basis points in September, October, and December. The decision reflects rising inflation risks despite a stable macroeconomic outlook in line with December’s Monetary Policy Report (IPoM). “While the overall macroeconomic scenario has evolved as expected… the risks to inflation have increased, reinforcing the need for caution,” the BCCh stated. Annual inflation in December stood at 4.5%, up from 4.2% in November. The bank reaffirmed its commitment to a flexible monetary policy, aiming to bring inflation down to 3% within two years. The BCCh also noted that global uncertainty remains high, with market volatility and a weaker Chilean peso against the US dollar.