Japan’s wage trend crucial for BOJ policy outlook

Jan 05, 2016 12:01 pm UTC| Commentary Economy Central Banks

USD/JPY has been moving strongly between the range of 118-120, on unexpected Bank of Japans QQE program on 18 December meeting. The pair has been weighed down in the final sessions of year end by weaker risk sentiment and...

Korea's current account surplus stays high

Jan 05, 2016 03:57 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Koreas current account surplus widened to USD9.4bn in the month of November, from Octobers SD9.1 bn, which came in below expectations, which were based on larger goods balance. Bigger surplus was mainly due to narrow...

Weak domestic demand keeps inflation subdued in Thailand

Jan 05, 2016 03:01 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Thailands core inflation came in at a two-year low of -0.7% (YoY) in Dec15. Core inflation is likely to remain soft in the coming months and this would translate to only a gradual lift to headline inflation in 2016. More...

Emerging Market Crisis Series

China Crisis Series

China’s economic slowdown in part of the restructuring plan

Jan 05, 2016 02:41 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Chinas economic slowdown is just the beginning. This is part of the grand restructuring plan that has to go through. The persistent weakening of the CNY, a bubbling domestic bond market, and an erratic stock market shall...

Outlook for 2016: middle-class woes, hopeful on wages, the fear factor

Jan 04, 2016 13:35 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy

Editors note: We asked a few of our regular writers to weigh in on what will (or should) be the key economic themes and issues of 2016 or offer their predictions. Topping the list are the worsening plight of the middle...

Singapore's commerce and financial services offset weak manufacturing

Jan 04, 2016 02:57 am UTC| Commentary Economy

Singapore Q4 GDPs advance estimate has come out more than what the market consensus expected at 5.7% qoq saar. Services has primarily led this upward surprise, with the services output contributing 4.4pp to overall qoq...

Fed Hike Aftermath Series

No signs of relief to Fed wondering if they might have jumped the gun in December

Jan 04, 2016 02:55 am UTC| Commentary Central Banks Economy

The data surely arent bringing sighs of relief to any Fed officials wondering if they might have jumped the gun in December. 3Q GDP growth had already dropped to 2% (QoQ, saar) before they pulled the trigger and the higher...