OSLO, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Norway's central bank cut its main interest rate by 50 basis points to 2.5 percent on Wednesday, in line with analyst forecasts, to stimulate an economy expected to be in recession in 2009.
Ten out of 11 economists surveyed by Reuters had forecast the half point reduction. One expected a 75 basis point cut.
Norges Bank has slashed rates from a 5.75 percent peak last October and the government has boosted spending of Norway's oil revenues in an effort to keep the economy on track. (Reporting by Oslo newsroom, editing by Mike Peacock)