Asia/Pacific
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November 21, 2024
Bank Indonesia Retains Rate Prioritises Rupiah
November 21, 2024 7:20 AM UTC
Bank Indonesia held its key interest rate at 6% to stabilise the rupiah and attract FX inflows, while maintaining interventions in the FX and bond markets. Inflation remains within target, and GDP growth forecasts are steady. Future rate cuts depend on US Federal Reserve actions. A 25bps cut is expe
November 13, 2024
India CPI Review: CPI Hits New Heights
November 13, 2024 12:05 PM UTC
Bottom line: The latest CPI figure of 6.2% yr/yr underscores significant inflationary pressures within the Indian economy, primarily driven by food prices but also influenced by housing costs. With inflation now at a 14-month high, the RBI's response will be another rate hold in December. Earliest r
November 11, 2024
Imports Surge, Growth Slows: Indonesia’s Q3 GDP Falls Short of 5% Mark
November 11, 2024 6:43 AM UTC
Bottom line: Indonesia’s Q3 GDP growth slipped to 4.95% yr/yr in Q3, missing the 5% target as soaring imports weighed on the headline figure. Private consumption remained steady, while fixed investment showed resilience with notable gains. Looking ahead, Q4 may bring further softening.
India CPI Preview: Food prices to weigh on headline CPI
November 11, 2024 5:00 AM UTC
Bottom line: India's inflation rate for October is projected to rise to 5.7% y/y due to base effects and domestic food prices. In the short term, global crude oil prices and domestic food price surge may pressure inflation further. The Reserve Bank of India is anticipated to maintain a neutral mon
October 21, 2024
China Corporate Debt Deleveraging
October 21, 2024 10:45 AM UTC
Private companies ex property developers have seen a small pay down of debt, but the largest remaining portion of non-financial debt ex LGFV is central and local SOE’s. They have low profitability and have shown few signs of increased leverage. This leaves the onus on fiscal policy.
October 15, 2024
U.S. Tensions for China: Protected by BRICS and BRI?
October 15, 2024 9:30 AM UTC
BRICS can provide a political buffer but not economic, as BRICS are still searching for practical areas for cooperation. However, Donald Trump universal tariffs threats could focus BRICS on more intra EM trade. BRI has already helped to redirect China exports to EM countries, despite the slowdown
October 14, 2024
China Fiscal Stimulus: Details to Follow
October 14, 2024 8:37 AM UTC
Further details of the size of extra central government spending/scaled up local authority purchases of unsold complete homes for affordable housing should be seen late October/early November from the National People Congress. We estimate Yuan1.5-2.0trn in total of extra spending, which leads us t
October 10, 2024
China and Japan Debt Compared
October 10, 2024 1:35 PM UTC
China housing crisis will likely mean that household debt/GDP flat lines in the coming years like Japan after 1990 and be a headwind for consumption. Meanwhile, the downturn in residential construction is already greater than that experienced by Japan after 1990 and in itself will be remain a stru
October 09, 2024
October 08, 2024
India CPI Preview: Inflation to Surge as Base Effects Fade
October 8, 2024 10:49 AM UTC
Bottom line:India’s September inflation level is expected to trend up to 4.1% y/y, given base effects. Global crude oil prices and heightened geopolitical tensions pose risks to inflation in the near term. Meanwhile, monetary policy is expected to remain tight and policy rate to be retained at 6.5
October 03, 2024
China: Any Lessons from the 1997-98 Asian Crisis?
October 3, 2024 1:30 PM UTC
Overall, the warning from slow real credit growth on reduced credit supply and demand is the main lesson from the Asia crisis 1997-98. China High FX reserves; low borrowing overseas and dominance of domestic investors in Yuan markets argues against a currency crisis. Asia widespread banking cris
October 01, 2024
Indonesia CPI Review: Cooling Inflation Signals More Rate Cuts Ahead for Indonesia
October 1, 2024 9:25 AM UTC
In September, Indonesia experienced its slowest inflation in nearly three years, driven by a drop in food and transport costs. Core inflation edged up, reflecting price increases in non-essential goods. The ongoing deflationary trend since May, influenced by supply-side factors like strong harvests,
September 30, 2024
RBI’s October Rate Call: Patience May Prevail Over Pressure
September 30, 2024 6:58 AM UTC
The RBI is expected to keep interest rates unchanged in its October meeting, despite global central banks initiating rate cuts. Domestic inflation concerns and uncertainties over MPC appointments are likely to drive a cautious "wait-and-watch" approach, with potential easing only by December.
September 25, 2024
Asia/Pacific (ex-China/Japan) Outlook: Shifting Gears for Growth
September 25, 2024 7:57 AM UTC
Emerging Asian economies are poised to remain the fastest growing globally. India and Southeast Asia will drive regional resilience amid China’s cooling growth engine in 2025. For India, while the external environment remains challenging due to weaker global demand and geopolitical tensions, domes
September 24, 2024
China Outlook: Unbalanced Growth and Slowing
September 24, 2024 8:54 AM UTC
Growth is benefitting from momentum in public investment/exports and high tech production. However, domestic demand is slower and this is a drag on H2 2024 and 2025 growth prospects. Aside from the ongoing negative drag from the residential construction crisis, consumption is also softe
China Steps Up Support, But Not a Game changer
September 24, 2024 8:39 AM UTC
China has surprised and cut the 7 day reverse repo rate by 20bps to 1.5%, with a 50bps cuts in the RRR rate. Combined with other measures this is a step-up in support and could help GDP on the margin, but the measures are not game changers as monetary policy is currently ineffective. While furth
Equities Outlook: Choppy U.S. and Outperformance Elsewhere
September 24, 2024 8:30 AM UTC
• We now forecast 5450 for the S&P500 for end 2024, but could see a move to 5200/5000 in the next 3-6 months as volatile data keeps the soft v hard landing debate alive. On our baseline of a U.S. soft landing, we would see the S&P500 at 5600 by end 2025. The tech sector is still really i
Japan Outlook: A Hawkish Take
September 24, 2024 5:30 AM UTC
· GDP growth for 2024 has been revised lower to +0.2% after the consumption contraction in Q1 2024 and the subsequent sluggish recovery in Q2. Private consumption is expected to pick up along improving real wages but its magnitude will be limited by the unwillingness to consume at high
September 19, 2024
September 18, 2024
China Banking Stress Tests: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
September 18, 2024 8:05 AM UTC
The good news is that China’s 19 major domestic systemically important banks (D-SIB’s and 72% of loans) hold up well under most solvency and liquidity tests, though some capital shortfalls start to appear with a moderate or severe NPL sensitivity shock scenario. The safety net would likely be
September 16, 2024
China: Weak August Data
September 16, 2024 6:58 AM UTC
China August data was worse than expected and confirms the weak trend in H2, with retail sales a real worry. The government risks missing the 5% growth target for 2024 and targeted fiscal policy moves are likely, but need to be implemented quickly. 10bps cut in the 7 day reverse repo rate is also
India CPI Review: India's Inflation Edges Up to 3.65% in August, Staying Below RBI Target
September 16, 2024 6:55 AM UTC
Bottom line: India’s August rose to 3.6% yr/yr, rising marginally from 3.53% y/y in July, reflecting higher food prices. Anticipate increased inflation over Q4, as festive demand drives up prices and the high base effects drop out of the equation.
September 10, 2024
India CPI Review: Easing Prices, but Monsoon Risks Loom
September 10, 2024 9:14 AM UTC
Bottom line: India’s August inflation level is expected to trend down to 3.5% yr/yr, from 3.53% y/y in July, reflecting higher base effects. Interest rate cut is unlikely though as the RBI perceives this as a temporary reprieve.
September 09, 2024
China Equities: More of the Same or Game changing Policies
September 9, 2024 9:15 AM UTC
We remain strategically underweight China Equities in global and EM equity baskets, due to the structural slowing of growth and low EPS prospects. Event risk around the U.S. presidential election will also start to be considered. Further targeted policies from China authorities could cause inter
September 03, 2024
September 02, 2024
China Harder Landing Scenario
September 2, 2024 10:55 AM UTC
We see a 30% probability of a harder landing in China GDP growth in 2025, which we most likely be in the 3-4% region but could persist into 2026 (Figure 1). A large than projected slowdown in consumption would be a key concern, alongside persistently moderate negative deductions from residential
August 28, 2024
China Consumer Volatility
August 28, 2024 1:30 PM UTC
China consumption patterns are divergent; slowing and becoming more volatile at a sub sector level. Less certainty over new employment and wage growth, plus wealth worries over housing are some of the causes. We forecast GDP to slow in H2 and be 4.0% in 2025.
August 27, 2024
Indonesia's Election Law Drama: Court Rulings and Political Fallout
August 27, 2024 6:57 AM UTC
In a dramatic turn of events, Indonesia's parliament abandoned its plan to amend electoral laws. The parliament had recently planned to amend the country's electoral laws, aiming to overturn pivotal decisions by the Constitutional Court. The proposed changes, which have sparked widespread controvers
August 26, 2024
Hajj Surge and Trade Squeeze Drive Indonesia's Q2 Deficit Higher
August 26, 2024 6:58 AM UTC
Indonesia's current account deficit widened to US$ 3.0bn in Q2 2024, driven by a higher services deficit from increased Hajj travel and a narrowing trade surplus. Strong portfolio investment inflows helped offset some pressures, but FDI inflows fell sharply. The H1 deficit reached US$ 5.4bn, up from
India GDP Preview: Slowing Growth, Solid Prospects
August 26, 2024 6:04 AM UTC
India’s Q1 FY25 (Apr-Jun) GDP is expected to moderateto 7% yr/yr. The slowdown is expected on the back of limited government spending and sluggish urban demand. Additionally, high interest rates and inflation are expected to have been a drag on growth.
August 22, 2024
Rupiah Gains Ground: BI Stays Cautious on Rate Cuts
August 22, 2024 11:26 AM UTC
Bank Indonesia held its key interest rate at 6.25% to stabilise the rupiah and attract FX inflows, while maintaining interventions in the FX and bond markets. Inflation remains within target, and GDP growth forecasts are steady. Future rate cuts depend on US Federal Reserve actions. A 25bps cut is e
August 21, 2024
China Housing Bailout: More Needed
August 21, 2024 9:00 AM UTC
Though China’s authorities have taken some action to help the residential construction sector, the negative drags from the huge excess completed housing and uncompleted projects continues to weigh directly on the construction/steel and cement sector and consumer confidence. Aggressive policy actio
August 20, 2024
Indonesia's 2025 Draft Budget: A High-Stakes Gamble on Growth and Subsidies
August 20, 2024 6:24 AM UTC
Indonesia's 2025 budget is a high-risk gamble, with potential for the fiscal deficit to breach the 3% of GDP legal threshold. The ambitious revenue targets and planned spending cuts pose significant challenges, particularly in a low commodity price environment. The reliance on optimistic tax revenue
August 15, 2024
China Data: Soft Start to Q3
August 15, 2024 6:40 AM UTC
Overall, the July data is consistent with our forecast of a weaker H2 and we still look for 4.7% GDP growth for 2024. The data is also consistent with our forecast of 4.0% in 2025 GDP growth. Consumption behavior could stall further and cause more of a drag than we anticipate and we now see a 30
August 14, 2024
August 13, 2024
Market Turbulence and What has Changed?
August 13, 2024 12:22 PM UTC
• We see the recent market turbulence as being partially a reduction in risky positions. However, the U.S. economy is slowing and triggering a debate about a soft or harder landing (we see slowing rather than recession in our baseline), while EZ data shows the recovery is not gaining moment
India CPI Review: Cooling Inflation - Will India’s RBI Shift Gears?
August 13, 2024 8:02 AM UTC
India's inflation cooled to 3.54% yr/yr in July, marking its lowest in nearly five years and slipping below the RBI's 4% target. With food prices driving the decline, the central bank may now consider a rate cut. However, future inflation risks remain amid uncertain monsoon patterns and global price
August 11, 2024
Despite Favourable Metrics RBI Committed to Tightening
August 11, 2024 5:03 PM UTC
The RBI will retained its stance of withdrawal of accomodation and maintained benchmark rate of 6.5% in its August meeting, staying on the path of inflation target. Concerns around high food inflation and geopolitical instability ensured that the RBI remained committed to its monetary tightening sta
Indonesia Q2 GDP Review: Resilient Economic Activity
August 11, 2024 4:48 PM UTC
Bottom line: Indonesia's Q2 GDP growth is expected to ease to 5% yr/yr. While government consumption is expected to have remained stable, moderation in Indonesia's external sector will hold growth back. Additionally, with no longer the boost from festive demand, private consumption is also expected
August 05, 2024
Monsoon Boost or Policy Shift? RBI Faces Critical Decision
August 5, 2024 6:34 AM UTC
The calls for a rate cut are rising in the Indian market, but this is unlikely to impact the RBI's upcoming decision. The RBI will retain its stance of withdrawal of accomodation and maintain benchmark rate of 6.5% in its August meeting, staying on the path of inflation target. Concerns around high
August 04, 2024
Indonesia Q2 GDP Preview: Slight Easing After a Robust Start
August 4, 2024 8:00 PM UTC
Bottom line: Indonesia's Q2 GDP growth is expected to ease to 5% yr/yr. While government consumption is expected to have remained stable, moderation in Indonesia's external sector will hold growth back. Additionally, with no longer the boost from festive demand, private consumption is also expected
India's Budget FY25: Assessing the Promises and Pitfalls
August 4, 2024 3:40 PM UTC
India’s FY25 budget presented by the Finance Minister continues the trend of incremental reforms, with a focus on predictable continuities. Anchored in themes of poor, women, youth and farmer, the budget aims to balance fiscal prudence with targeted growth initiatives. However, the budget's cautio
July 31, 2024
July 29, 2024
July 23, 2024
China: The Squeezed Middle and Bottom 50%
July 23, 2024 8:15 AM UTC
Uncertainty over income and employment, adverse wealth effects from lower house prices, plus growing risk aversion, will likely mean that consumption continues to struggle. This is one of the key reasons why we forecast slower H2 GDP growth and look for 4% in 2025.
July 22, 2024
China: Surprise 7 Day Reverse Repo Rate Cut
July 22, 2024 8:41 AM UTC
China 10bps cut in the 7 day reverse repo rate and 1 and 5yr Loan Prime Rate (LPR) was sooner than expected, as a move had not been anticipated until the Fed cuts rates. However, this is not the start of a new aggressive policy phase, but rather a tactical move given the targeted nature of easing.
July 17, 2024
Stable Rupiah, Steady Growth: Inside Bank Indonesia's Latest Rate Decision
July 17, 2024 1:13 PM UTC
Bank Indonesia held its key interest rate at 6.25% to stabilize the rupiah and attract FX inflows, while maintaining interventions in the FX and bond markets. Inflation remains within target, and GDP growth forecasts are steady. Future rate cuts depend on US Federal Reserve actions. A 25bps cut is e
July 15, 2024
Inflation Heatwave: India's CPI and WPI Climb
July 15, 2024 6:35 PM UTC
India's inflation surged in June with wholesale prices hitting a 16-month high at 3.36% y/y, driven by soaring food costs. The CPI also rose to 5.1% y/y, reversing a five-month decline, prompting caution from the RBI, which anticipates inflation to ease as seasonal factors stabilise. Governor Shakti