Dow Jones 10 Economists Predict BI Rate cut 50-bp

Bank Indonesia likely to cut benchmark rate 50 bp Wednesday to 8.25% as benign inflation allows further menetary easing to boost economy; 10 economists polled by Dow Jines Newswires predict a 50-bp cut with one predicting even deeper 75-bp reduction. Unanimous forecast for rate cut unsurprising, comes after annual inflation eased to 9.17% in January from 11.06% a month before, central bank deputy governor said Friday that there is room for further easing. Although a rate cut could make rupiah less attractive, further easing is likely to be welcomed by market, like last month's higher-than-expected 50-bp, as Indonesia's economy in need of policy boost. (IMS)