Consumer inflation eased to 3.5% on year in March, down sharply from 4.8% in February, while core inflation remained broadly stable.
Philippines
The Philippine central bank will deliver its interest-rate decision Thursday. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is expected to hold rates steady, taking a wait-and-see approach amid uncertainties in the Middle East, ANZ's Kausani Basak said.
The BSP held an off-cycle policy meeting in March and warned inflation could breach its 4% ceiling this year due to higher energy prices.
Malaysia
Malaysia's export growth likely accelerated in March, according to the median estimate of five economists polled by The Wall Street Journal. Exports are expected to have risen 14% on year, up from February's nearly 11%. Imports likely increased 14%, resulting in a trade surplus of 25.9 billion ringgit.
The data are expected to reflect continued demand for Malaysia's technology exports, linked to artificial intelligence, Barclays economists said.
Singapore
Singapore will release its March inflation data, which is likely to reflect the initial impact of the energy shock from the Middle East conflict, DBS economists said.
Headline and core inflation are expected to accelerate, driven by higher imported energy costs amid rising global crude oil, refined petroleum and gas prices.
Any references to days are in local times.
Write to Jessica Fleetham at jessica.fleetham@wsj.com and Jihye Lee at jihye.lee@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
04-17-26 1249ET
