Asia Economics Update Malaysia’s 2013 growth to disappoint The Bank of Thailand kept its policy rate at 2.50% today. We continue to expect the central bank to keep rates low for the rest of 2013 before gradually tightening in 2014 as growth prospects improve. 21st August 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Thai rates to stay unchanged in 2013 The Bank of Thailand kept its policy rate at 2.50% today. We continue to expect the central bank to keep rates low for the rest of 2013 before gradually tightening in 2014 as growth prospects improve. 21st August 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Is India heading toward crisis? The slide of the rupee has triggered speculation that India is heading toward a balance of payments crisis. We do not think a crisis is on the cards, but the outlook is downbeat and fraught with risks... 20th August 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update A strong rebound in Thailand’s growth is unlikely Thailand’s Q2 GDP data showed continued weakness in the economy, and we do not expect much of a rebound in the second half of the year. Given the central bank’s limited scope to aggressively loosen... 19th August 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Rate hikes likely in Indonesia before year-end Bank Indonesia’s decision to leave interest rates on hold today does not mean the end of the tightening cycle. However, with the recent spike in inflation likely to prove temporary and the economy... 15th August 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Thailand's credit growth is a serious risk to the economy Thailand's private sector credit as a share of GDP has increased significantly in recent years, raising concerns about financial stability. Even if a crisis is avoided, current credit growth rates are... 15th August 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update India’s latest data underline stagflation problem India’s latest data releases underline the challenges faced by the country and its new central bank governor. Today’s inflation data show that wholesale price inflation accelerated and consumer price... 14th August 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update No change in Korean rates on the horizon The Bank of Korea’s (BoK) decision to keep interest rates on hold today was no great surprise given continued low inflation and recent signs of a pick-up in GDP growth. We expect to see rates on hold... 8th August 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Australia to keep policy loose as mining boom cools The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cut its cash rate by 25bp to 2.5% at its meeting today. It is likely to keep rates very low over the next two years to support the economy through a mining slowdown... 6th August 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Indonesia‘s growth likely to stay stuck at around 6% Data released today showed that the pace of economic growth in Indonesia eased slightly in Q2. Higher inflation and tighter monetary policy will weigh on the economy over the next year, and we are... 2nd August 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update July PMIs point to continued manufacturing weakness The July PMIs for Emerging Asia point to weakening conditions in the region’s manufacturing sectors. Both output and new orders were especially disappointing. We maintain our view that fragile global... 1st August 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Taiwan set for gradual recovery GDP data released today showed that Taiwan’s economy remained lacklustre in the second quarter. Growth is likely to remain weak in the near-term but, with the global economy set to record a slow, but... 31st July 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Indian rates to be kept on prolonged hold The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept its policy rates unchanged at its meeting today, as was widely expected. Recently-implemented tightening measures could be removed within the next few months, if... 30th July 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Interest rates in the Philippines to rise next year The decision by the Philippine central bank (BSP) to leave interest rates on hold today was no great surprise given that growth remains strong and inflation looks set to stay subdued. We expect... 25th July 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update Faster growth reduces the need for rate cuts in Korea Data released today show that Korea’s economy picked up in Q2 on the back of stronger consumption and investment. Although low inflation means policymakers still have scope to cut interest rates, with... 25th July 2013 · 1 min read
Asia Economics Update New Zealand rates to remain low Despite worries that the housing market may be showing signs of overheating, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) kept its policy rate unchanged at 2.5% today. We expect the cash rate to remain on... 24th July 2013 · 1 min read
