Currency of Malaysia, Indonesia - outperformers in Southeast Asia in 2024: Standard Chartered

Malaysian ringgit (MYR) and Indonesian rupiah (IDR) are expected to be outperformers in the Southeast Asian region in 2024 “on a relative basis,” benefitting most from monetary policy divergences, according to Standard Chartered.

According to newly-released global research report of the bank, in terms of relative performance, Indonesian rupiah and Malaysian ringgit are expected to outperform and Philippine peso (PHP) to underperform. Meanwhile, the bank is relatively neutral on Singapore dollar (SGD), Thai baht (THB) and Vietnamese dong (VND).

Currency of Malaysia, Indonesia - outperformers in Southeast Asia in 2024: Standard Chartered -0
Illustrative photo (Photo: thestar.com.my)

Experts from the bank believes US policy rate differentials have bottomed out as the US Federal Reserve (Fed) has moved clearly into a pause phase. This should help return flows in favour of regional ASEAN currencies, the report said.

According to the bank, there are two factors limiting the upside. First, based on its projections, US policy rates could remain historically high versus ASEAN economies by the end of 2024.  Second, ASEAN central banks may also cut rates, particularly those who had hiked partly to stave off foreign exchange (forex) weakness.

Therefore, it reckons that Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam’s interest rate differentials will improve, while Indonesia’s rate differential against the US will remain similar to current levels, while the Philippines’ rate differential versus the US dollar will worsen in 2024.

Besides interest rate differentials, looser US financial conditions should also aid ASEAN forex. Standard Chartered sees Malaysian ringgit being potentially the largest regional beneficiary on onshore US dollar deposit positioning./.

VNA

World

Thailand rolls out anti-scam sandbox
World

Thailand rolls out anti-scam sandbox

One highlight of the DE fence platform is that it is connected to the databases of telecom operators to obtain the most up-to-date number information. It is also connected to the databases of the Royal Thai Police, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, the AOC 1441 Center, and the DES Ministry.

Cambodia sets up genocide crime-related historical sites
World

Cambodia sets up genocide crime-related historical sites

In the decree issued on February 25, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni ordered the establishment of three sites where genocide crimes occurred in the country, namely the former M-13 prison in Kampong Chhnang and Kampong Speu provinces, and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Choeung Ek Genocide Centre in Phnom Penh.

Indonesia plans over 20 energy projects in 2025
World

Indonesia plans over 20 energy projects in 2025

Indonesia remains heavily dependent on coal and is one of the world’s top greenhouse gas emitters. However, President Prabowo Subianto has pledged to phase out coal-fired power generation within 15 years and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Myanmar cracks down on online scam centres
World

Myanmar cracks down on online scam centres

An estimated 220,000 people were estimated to have been tricked into working for romance-investment schemes, crypto fraud, money laundering and illegal gambling in Myanmar and Cambodia in 2023.

Singapore makes efforts to upgrade social housing
World

Singapore makes efforts to upgrade social housing

Singaporean Minister of National Development Desmond Lee said on February 17 that 29,000 flats built in 1997 or earlier have been chosen for the Housing Board’s Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and will get structural improvements and upgrades to bathrooms and entrances, among other things.

Indonesia raises volcano alert to highest level
World

Indonesia raises volcano alert to highest level

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, which stands 1,703 meters tall, has erupted multiple times in recent months. In November, a series of eruptions killed nine people, forced thousands to flee, and disrupted international flights to Bali.