SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE — (Marketwired) — 05/20/13 — In FXPRIMUS- for 17 May, – whose views are widely sought after in the Forex industry, focuses on growth drop-off in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Economic Insights
Malaysia-s 1Q Gross Domestic Product (GDP) unexpectedly grows less than 5%
Malaysia-s 1Q growth rose by just 4.1% YoY, much lower than the earlier forecast. The growth figure was also down from a 6.5% YoY growth rate in the fourth quarter last year. Yet, the official figure maintained the full-year growth target around 6%.
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International trades largely dragged growth as overseas shipment activities shrank 2.9% YoY in March, while imports unexpectedly rose to 7% YoY. However, jumped consumption on election spending helped the total growth above 4% in the first quarter. Consumption in the 1Q jumped 6.1% YoY, which means it will remain the key driver for the entire growth.
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Moving forward, personal consumption levels play a key part in GDP components as Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak adopted a few tools to boost domestic demand to counter weaker international demand, such as welfare to those in poverty, higher wages and extending energy subsidies.
Despite weak exports and a strong Ringgit, the central bank still holds the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3% while the “currency war” leads many developed and developing nations to lower their rates.
“In my point of view,” said Mario, “the recent rising Consumer Price Index (CPI) may slightly gain attention from Bank Negara Malaysia.” Thus, the central bank comments that the monetary condition is still presently accommodative.
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Indonesia-s GDP slows to 6.02% in first quarter
The Indonesian economy-s growth also slowed to 6.02% YoY, the slowest pace in the past two years, led by fading exports and government spending. Growth rate in the previous quarter was 6.11% YoY.
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“The slower growth may give officials some difficulty in cutting fuel subsidies and prompting reforms,” said Mario.” Government infrastructure spending also has a large space to increase. Exports also reflected the negative outlook when a group of exporting commodities fell, such as palm oil, coal and rubber,” he added.
“Given the large decline in exports, the central bank will likely hold the rate at a record low 5.75%, despite inflation picking up,” said Mario. “The central bank will seek other prudent tools to curb rising inflation instead of a rate cut,” he added.
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