Tuesday, January 23, 2024 2:50 AM EDT
Image Source: Pixabay
December inflation picks up to 3.7%
Singapore’s December inflation quickened to 3.7% year-on-year, faster than markets had forecasted (3.5% YoY) and up from the 3.6% YoY reported in the previous month. December saw food inflation moderate to 3.7% YoY (from 4% YoY) while clothing inflation fell 1% YoY.
Forcing headline inflation higher were faster prices increases for transport (3.9% vs 2.8% YoY) and recreation and culture (6.3% vs 5.6% YoY previously).
Meanwhile, core inflation, which is the price measured more closely followed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), rose to 3.3% YoY – much higher than expectations of a 3% YoY rise. December’s core inflation was faster than the 3.2% YoY gain recorded in November.
We expect inflation to remain elevated in the near term, with Singapore implementing the second round of increase for the goods and services tax (GST). On top of this, a potential increase in global shipping costs due to issues on security at important shipping lanes could mean that inflation remains sticky in 2024.
Inflation comes in higher than expected, pointing to MAS keeping setting untouched
Singapore Department of Statistics
Faster inflation points to MAS standing pat
MAS recently switched to conducting four policy meetings per year, with the first policy meeting for 2024 set for 29 January. With inflation accelerating more than expected and price pressures remaining elevated due to the implementation of GST and potential spikes in global shipping costs, we expect the MAS to retain all policy settings at its upcoming meeting. Furthermore, we believe the MAS will likely want to retain their hawkish bias until they are convinced that core inflation will remain under control.
More By This Author:
Asia Morning Bites For Tuesday, January 23
FX Daily: Central Bank Meetings And US GDP In Focus
Key Events In Developed Markets For The Week Of January 22
Disclaimer: This publication has been prepared by the Economic and Financial Analysis Division of ING Bank N.V. (“ING”) solely for information purposes without regard to any ...
more
Disclaimer: This publication has been prepared by the Economic and Financial Analysis Division of ING Bank N.V. (“ING”) solely for information purposes without regard to any particular user's investment objectives, financial situation, or means. ING forms part of ING Group (being for this purpose ING Group NV and its subsidiary and affiliated companies). The information in the publication is not an investment recommendation and it is not investment, legal or tax advice or an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any financial instrument. Reasonable care has been taken to ensure that this publication is not untrue or misleading when published, but ING does not represent that it is accurate or complete. ING does not accept any liability for any direct, indirect or consequential loss arising from any use of this publication. Unless otherwise stated, any views, forecasts, or estimates are solely those of the author(s), as of the date of the publication and are subject to change without notice.
The distribution of this publication may be restricted by law or regulation in different jurisdictions and persons into whose possession this publication comes should inform themselves about, and observe, such restrictions.
Copyright and database rights protection exists in this report and it may not be reproduced, distributed or published by any person for any purpose without the prior express consent of ING. All rights are reserved. ING Bank N.V. is authorised by the Dutch Central Bank and supervised by the European Central Bank (ECB), the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) and the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). ING Bank N.V. is incorporated in the Netherlands (Trade Register no. 33031431 Amsterdam). In the United Kingdom this information is approved and/or communicated by ING Bank N.V., London Branch. ING Bank N.V., London Branch is deemed authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and is subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. The nature and extent of consumer protections may differ from those for firms based in the UK. Details of the Temporary Permissions Regime, which allows EEA-based firms to operate in the UK for a limited period while seeking full authorisation, are available on the Financial Conduct Authority’s website.. ING Bank N.V., London branch is registered in England (Registration number BR000341) at 8-10 Moorgate, London EC2 6DA. For US Investors: Any person wishing to discuss this report or effect transactions in any security discussed herein should contact ING Financial Markets LLC, which is a member of the NYSE, FINRA and SIPC and part of ING, and which has accepted responsibility for the distribution of this report in the United States under applicable requirements.
less
How did you like this article? Let us know so we can better customize your reading experience.
