Singapore Dollar: Strong NODX but USD still drives USD/SGD – OCBC

OCBC’s Christopher Wong highlights that Singapore’s August NODX surged 46.2% year-on-year, far above consensus, with electronics exports jumping on AI-related demand and broad-based strength across markets. OCBC Economists upgraded their 2026 NODX forecast to 20% year-on-year, but Wong notes this solid external backdrop is unlikely to drive spot near term. USD/SGD has eased with lower US yields and a softer Dollar, and future SGD performance will hinge on US yield and Dollar dynamics.

USD/SGD guided by yields and Dollar

"August NODX jumped 46.2% y/y, well above the 35.3% consensus and up sharply from 24.1% in July. Electronics exports surged 131.8%, led by AI-related demand for ICs, disk media products and PCs, while non-electronics also rose."

"The strength was broad-based across most major markets, although a favourable base effect also contributed to the headline jump."

"Our Economists upgraded our 2026 NODX forecast from 15.2% to 20% y/y, taking into account that NODX already surged 22.4% y/y in the first 8 months and even after factoring a moderation to 15.6% YoY for the remaining four months of the year."

"The data reinforce an already solid external-growth backdrop but are unlikely to be the main driver of spot in the near term. Overnight, USD/SGD eased lower, taking cues from UST yields and USD. If UST yields continue to ease, SGD should be relatively well placed to benefit, while renewed USD strength/ higher UST yield would likely keep USD/SGD supported."

"Daily momentum is bullish but RSI eased lower from near overbought conditions. A death cross appears to be in the making (50 DMA cuts 200 DMA to the downside)."

"We watch further price action for confirmation for any bearish reversal or if bearish signals are being nullified. Area of resistance at 1.2790 (50% fibo retracement of 2026 low to high) - 1.2810 (50, 100, 200 DMAs). Next level at 1.2840 (38.2% fibo). Support at 1.2740 (61.8% fibo), 1.27 (21 DMA)."

(This article was created with the help of an Artificial Intelligence tool and reviewed by an editor. Know more.)