Asia Economics Update Bank Indonesia leaves rates on hold, but further easing likely Bank Indonesia (BI) left interest rates on hold today, but further loosening is likely sooner rather than later. We think the shift to a new policy rate, which formally comes into effect next month... 21st July 2016 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Bank of Korea in wait-and-see mode Following its move last month to cut rates in response to rising downside risks to growth, the Bank of Korea (BoK) today left its policy rate unchanged at a record low of 1.25%. We think it will take... 14th July 2016 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Malaysia jumps on easing bandwagon Malaysia's central bank (BNM) today unexpectedly lowered its policy rate by 25bp to 3.0%, adding to the list of Asian central banks that have cut rates this year. But with growth still on track to... 13th July 2016 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Terrorism poses a threat to Bangladesh’s long-term prospects The recent terror attack in Bangladesh is unlikely to have a big impact on the economy in the short-term. However, long-term prospects would take a significant dent if a more dangerous security... 5th July 2016 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update What next for monetary policy in Taiwan? With the economy struggling badly and inflationary pressures very low, Taiwan’s central bank (CBC) today cuts its discount rate by a further 12.5 basis points to 1.375%. Given the poor outlook for... 30th June 2016 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Sri Lanka steady for now but raising rates soon With its currency flat today amid broader EM volatility and its governor on the way out, the central bank in Sri Lanka (CBSL) has decided to keep policy rates unchanged. But credit growth is soaring... 24th June 2016 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Asian economies and markets should shrug off Brexit With the region’s trade ties to the UK relatively weak, the direct economic implications for Emerging Asia of the UK’s vote to leave the EU should be small. Equities and currencies have weakened, but... 24th June 2016 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Philippines: interest rates to remain low for some time yet With the economy growing strongly but inflationary pressures under control, today’s decision by the central bank in the Philippines (BSP) to keep its main policy rate on hold at 3.0% came as no... 23rd June 2016 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Inflation set to rise, but central banks in no hurry to hike rates Inflation looks set to rise in most of Emerging Asia over the coming year, but probably not by enough to worry policy makers, who will look to keep interest rates low to support growth. 10th June 2016 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update What to make of Korea’s rate cut and restructuring plans The Bank of Korea (BoK) unexpectedly lowered its policy rate to a new record low of 1.25% today, marking its first cut since last June. The decision came a day after plans were unveiled for the... 9th June 2016 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Asian currencies slide on Fed fears Asian currencies fell back in May following signals from the Federal Reserve that interest rates in the US are likely to be raised this summer. 31st May 2016 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Sri Lanka keeps rates on hold, but hikes likely soon The central bank in Sri Lanka (CBSL) today held its deposit and lending rates at 6.5% and 8.0%,respectively, for the third straight month. However, we think it is only a matter of time before it... 20th May 2016 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Bank Indonesia opens door to further easing Malaysia and Indonesia both left their main policy rates on hold at scheduled meetings today. But while Malaysia’s central bank (BNM) gave little sign that it was about to shift monetary policy... 19th May 2016 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Philippines: shift to interest rate corridor not a game changer The Philippines central bank’s (BSP’s) shift towards an interest rate corridor system does not amount to a change in its monetary policy stance. With inflation set to stay low, we think monetary... 16th May 2016 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Korea likely to loosen monetary policy soon The Bank of Korea (BoK) today left its policy rate unchanged at a record low of 1.50%, but with growth still sluggish and government pressure for monetary policy easing rising, we think it is only a... 13th May 2016 · 1 min read
