Asia Economics Update Singapore: monetary policy set to remain loose The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) loosened policy today and given the current weakness of the economy – GDP figures also published today show growth in year-on-year terms held steady at a ten... 14th October 2019 · 3 mins read
Asia Economics Update Vietnam: protectionism key risk to growth outlook Data released over the weekend suggest that Vietnam grew strongly in the third quarter of the year, and we think it will remain one of the fastest growing economies in the region. The possibility that... 30th September 2019 · 3 mins read
Asia Economics Update Philippines easing cycle has further to run Today’s cut to the policy rate by the central bank in the Philippines (BSP) from 4.25% to 4.00% is unlikely to be the last in the easing cycle. With growth likely to disappoint and price pressures set... 26th September 2019 · 3 mins read
Asia Economics Update Thailand: rates on hold, but cut likely before year-end The Bank of Thailand (BoT) left interest rates unchanged at 1.50% today, but with economic growth set to remain weak and concerns about the strength of the baht mounting, we think the central bank... 25th September 2019 · 3 mins read
Asia Economics Update Taiwan will not join Asia’s rate cutting cycle Taiwan’s central bank (CBC) left its key policy rate unchanged today at 1.375%, and with growth picking up we doubt it will be in any rush to join the region’s rate cutting cycle. We expect interest... 19th September 2019 · 3 mins read
Asia Economics Update Sri Lanka’s GDP figures overstating health of economy Sri Lanka’s economy held up better than we had expected last quarter given the drag from the recent terrorist attacks on the country. But we suspect that the published figures overstate the real... 19th September 2019 · 3 mins read
Asia Economics Update Indonesia: Further rate cuts likely Today’s rate cut by Bank Indonesia (BI) clearly signals that its main priority at the moment is supporting the struggling economy. While we think further easing is likely, the central bank is likely... 19th September 2019 · 3 mins read
Asia Economics Update Vietnam: surprise cut, but further easing unlikely Vietnam’s decision to cut interest rates today is something of a surprise given that growth appears to be holding up well at the moment. Given the decent outlook for the economy, we don’t think the... 13th September 2019 · 3 mins read
Asia Economics Update Malaysia policy rate on hold, cut likely in November The dovish statement which accompanied today’s decision by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to leave its policy rate on hold at 3.00% suggests that the central bank is leaving the door open to further... 12th September 2019 · 3 mins read
Asia Economics Update Crisis still has potential to spill beyond Hong Kong Yesterday’s announcement by Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam that the government will withdraw the controversial extradition bill that sparked the current political crisis has raised hopes that... 5th September 2019 · 3 mins read
Asia Economics Update Bank of Korea on hold, but more cuts likely The Bank of Korea sounded more bearish on the outlook for the economy even as it left rates on hold today. As such, we continue to expect more easing this year, with another 25bps cut in October. 30th August 2019 · 3 mins read
Asia Economics Update Sri Lanka cuts, but more loosening unlikely The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) cut rates today, but given our view that the rupee will come under pressure again this year, we think this will probably mark the last cut in 2019. 23rd August 2019 · 3 mins read
Asia Economics Update BI cuts rates again, but further easing to be gradual Despite the recent weakness of the rupiah, Bank Indonesia (BI) today cut its benchmark interest rate for the second consecutive month to 5.50% and hinted that further easing is on the horizon. But the... 22nd August 2019 · 2 mins read
Asia Economics Update The worst is now over, but growth to remain weak For all the bad news on the global economy recently, it looks as if GDP growth across Emerging Asia held broadly stable last quarter. Although growth is likely to remain fairly weak over the coming... 21st August 2019 · 3 mins read
Asia Economics Update Singapore: MAS to wait until October to ease An official from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) today confirmed that it is not considering an unscheduled policy adjustment, but given the poor outlook for the economy loosening in October... 13th August 2019 · 3 mins read
Asia Economics Update Philippines: BSP cuts, one more likely this year Today’s 25bp cut from the central bank in the Philippines (BSP) came as no surprise, and with inflation set to fall back further and growth only likely to stage a moderate recovery over the coming... 8th August 2019 · 3 mins read
