That’s the backdrop for a big day in the Asian calendar on Thursday, when Thailand, Taiwan and the Philippines release August inflation figures, Malaysia’s central bank announces an interest rate decision, and South Korea publishes revised second-quarter GDP data.
Malaysia’s central bank is expected to leave its key policy rate unchanged at 3.0% and keep it there until 2026.
The Malaysian ringgit has emerged in recent weeks as the best performing Asian currency this year. This helps keep a lid on inflation, and with global volatility rising and the Fed about to cut U.S. rates, the ringgit could stay stronger for longer.
Another buoyant Asian currency is Japan’s yen, as yen-funded carry trades are unwound and the currency fulfills its traditional role as a safe harbor for investors in stormy times.
It rose around 1% against the dollar for a second day on Wednesday, and could be about to break into a new, stronger trading range.
Headline annual CPI inflation in the Philippines, meanwhile, is expected to slow to 3.6% from 4.4%, essentially halve to 0.4% from 0.83% in Thailand, and cool to 2.27% from 2.52% in Taiwan. Disinflation all around.