Laos cut its base rate by 0.5 pp in mid-August to ease financial pressures on households and businesses, according to the Bank of Laos. Inflation averaged 10.2% between January and July, with July’s figure down sharply to 5.3% from 8.3% in May. The kip depreciated modestly against the USD and Thai baht, while the gap between commercial bank and market exchange rates widened. Authorities said the move is aimed at supporting growth and financial stability amid both domestic and external challenges.