MALAYSIA
Inflation data on Monday will show whether price pressures have continued stabilizing at the start of this year.
The central bank underlined in its latest annual report that keeping inflation in check is its number 1 priority. Aside from external risks from a slowing China and commodity price shocks, the main destabilizer could come from the planned roll back of subsidies for key food staples and fuel, which helped keep inflation in check last year.
Economists polled by the WSJ expect inflation to come in 1.5% on year, the same print as in January. February's prices could remain low amid stabilized price movements in key components of the consumer price index such as food and transportation, Ram Ratings' head and senior economist Woon Khai Jhek says.
The central bank expects inflation to stay moderate this year, but will be closely watching for signs that the inflation trajectory could get knocked off course.
CANADA
Canadian GDP data for January are due on Thursday.
HUNGARY
Hungary's central bank announces a rate decision on Tuesday.
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa's central bank announces a rate decision on Wednesday.
*All references to days for Asian events are in local times.
--Additional reporting by Ronnie Harui, Ying Xian Wong, Kimberley Kao, James Glynn, Emese Bartha, Dominic Chopping and Miriam Mukuru
Write to Jessica Fleetham at jessica.fleethma@wsj.com and Fabiana Negrin Ochoa at fabiana.negrinochoa@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
03-22-24 0750ET
