[Ukraine's Central Bank Raises Key Interest Rate to 16.5%, Higher Than Expected] According to Jinse Finance, on October 29th, the Central Bank of Ukraine raised its key interest rate by 50 basis points to 16.5%; the previous forecast was 16.25%. The Central Bank of Ukraine stated that the Ukrainian economy will contract this year due to Russia's increased airstrikes and continued attacks on businesses and infrastructure. Disrupted logistics and soaring fuel prices have significantly exacerbated price pressures, leading to an upward revision of this year's inflation forecast from 10% to 12.5%. Simultaneously, the central bank lowered its GDP forecast for this year, expecting the economy to contract by 0.4%, compared to a previous forecast of 1.8% growth.