U.S. September trade deficit contracts sharply

Nov 05, 2015 04:27 am UTC| Commentary

The United States trade deficit for September month on month contracted to $40.8bn. Exports of the economy recorded an increase of 1.6% m/m in nominal terms, after posting a 2.0% m/m fall in previous month. Likewise,...

CNY's inclusion in SDR, what is in it for global economy?

Nov 05, 2015 03:58 am UTC| Commentary

Will CNY be added to the SDR basket as soon as in IMFs November meeting? A yes would gain China longer term benefits like lowering its borrowing costs from IMF. A No to this question would probably push back its inclusion...

CNY's inclusion in SDR, what is in it for China?

Nov 05, 2015 03:36 am UTC| Commentary

The International Monetary Fund(IMF) wants to keep the composition of the SDR basket intact, which is always debated amongst economists. This is likely the reason why it took Chinese Yuan late till September 2016 in order...

Even with weak data, Fed rhetoric increasingly points toward a December lift-off

Nov 05, 2015 02:40 am UTC| Commentary Central Banks

Even with weak data, Fed rhetoric increasingly points toward a December lift-off. In her testimony before Congress yesterday, Chairwoman Yellen said the economy is performing well and a December hike is a live possibility....

Bank of Thailand kept rates unchanged on Wednesday

Nov 05, 2015 02:29 am UTC| Commentary Central Banks

As widely expected, Bank of Thailand (BOT) kept rates unchanged on Wednesday. That it was a unanimous decision was somewhat surprising. The central bank sees a gradual recovery in the economy, on the back of an accelerated...

Indian rupee trims gains on real terms

Nov 05, 2015 02:06 am UTC| Commentary

The Indian rupee trimmed gains on real terms in 3Q15, which was mainly due to a correction in the major currencies. Paring down of US Fed hike expectations saw the US dollar take a breather. On the other hand, marginally...

Malaysia Central Bank is expected to keep monetary policy on steady keel today

Nov 05, 2015 01:57 am UTC| Commentary Central Banks

Bank Negara is expected to keep monetary policy on steady keel today. The central is widely expected to leave the Overnight Policy unchanged at 3.25% in todays meeting. Despite the mix of higher inflation, slow growth and...