Brazil’s central bank lifted its interest rate by a full percentage point for the second meeting and said the board will do the same at the next decision while leaving their policy options against inflation open thereafter.

The bank’s monetary policy committee increased the benchmark rate by a full percentage point to 13.25%.

Brazils central bank raised its benchmark Selic rate by 100 basis points to 13.25% on Wednesday, marking the second consecutive hike and signaling another increase in March. The decision, made unanimously by the

Gabriel Galipolo will chair his first interest rate decision as Brazil’s central bank governor on Wednesday with a clear, well-known mission: the board he now presides will raise the benchmark interest rate by a full percentage point for the second straight meeting.

Brazil’s annual inflation slowed less than expected in early January despite a drop in energy costs, highlighting the challenges facing policymakers as they prepare to raise the interest rate again next week.

Brazil's annual inflation rate slowed less than expected in early January, official data showed on Friday, cementing the likelihood that the central bank will hike interest rates by 100 basis points at its meeting next week.

Brazil's central bank on Wednesday hiked its key interest rate to 13.25 percent in more bad news for leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's government, which is struggling to curb high inflation.