|

Singapore: Q4 growth likely stayed modest – Standard Chartered

Analysts at Standard Chartered are estimating Singapore’s Q4 GDP growth likely to print 2.2% y/y, similar to Q3, and capped by high base effects.

Key Quotes

“Manufacturing-sector growth likely remained modest, but may have picked up slightly from 3.6% recorded in Q3. October-November 2018 industrial production (IP) expanded 6.5% y/y, but December faces a slightly unfavourable base effect. The manufacturing sector outlook remains challenging. Headline PMI growth contracted to 2.7% y/y in November, the second consecutive month of y/y decline, while the electronics PMI fell below 50 in November for the first time since July 2016.”

“Our GDP growth tracker suggests upside risk to our Q4 GDP growth forecast. Our tracker is more reliant on readily available externally driven activity data, such as IP, which is still growing at a faster pace (albeit moderating) than domestically oriented sectors. We are cautious about being overly optimistic, as the services-sector recovery is tenuous.”

“We expect growth to moderate in 2019, as external demand has likely peaked.”

Author

Sandeep Kanihama

Sandeep Kanihama

FXStreet Contributor

Sandeep Kanihama is an FX Editor and Analyst with FXstreet having principally focus area on Asia and European markets with commodity, currency and equities coverage. He is stationed in the Indian capital city of Delhi.

More from Sandeep Kanihama
Share:

Editor's Picks

GBP/USD weakens to two-week lows near 1.3520

GBP/USD trades on the back foot, returning to the low 1.3500s, or two-week troughs, on Tuesday. Cable’s bearish price action follows decent gains in the Greenback at the time when investors assess latest US data releases and the persistent uncertainty in the US-Iran crisis.

EUR/USD remains offered; breaks below 1.1600

EUR/USD now accelerates its daily correction, breaching below the key 1.1600 support level on Tuesday. The pair’s daily correction comes on the back of a decent bounce in the US Dollar despite disappointing US data releases and amid persistent geopolitical concerns.

Gold drops to four-week low, below $4,300 as USD firms amid Fed hike bets and Iran risks

Gold drops to a nearly four-week low during the Asian session on Wednesday and is now looking to extend the fall further below $4,300 amid a bearish fundamental backdrop. The escalating Middle East conflict lifts crude oil prices to a fresh high since July 24, stoking inflation fears and reaffirming US Federal Reserve rate hike bets.

WTI advances to mid-$90.00s, fresh high since July 24 amid escalating US-Iran tensions

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) – the benchmark US Crude Oil price – scales higher for the third straight day – also marking the fifth day of a positive move in the previous six – and climbs to a fresh high since July 24 during the Asian session on Wednesday.

Middle East war takes its toll on Gold prices

The US Dollar accelerates its advance against the precious metal in the American session on Tuesday, following news indicating United States forces launched attacks on Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets in Iran, as reported by the US Central Command. Explosions were reported on Qeshm Island, around the Strait of Hormuz, and across southern Iran.

Diesel’s record $100 warning: The oil shock hiding in plain sight

The Oil market may look calmer than it did a few months ago, but diesel is sending a very different message. The US diesel crack spread, the premium of ultra-low sulphur diesel futures over WTI, recently surged above $100 per barrel for the first time, reaching an intraday record of just over $102.00.