MOODY’s Analytics projected that Malaysia’s economy had grown 1.1% quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter of 2022 (Q1 2022), following the 6.6% expansion in Q4 2021. 

It said the gains from a robust external position have largely extended into the opening months of 2022.

“Also, a rise in private consumption after the easing of Covid-19 restrictions and policy shift towards living with the virus is likely to have supported the March quarter growth,” it said in a statement today.

Additionally, it said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is expected to keep its benchmark policy rate steady at 1.75% during its May meeting. 

As for the Asia-Pacific economy, the financial services company said inflation readings for April are expected to trend higher in Asia.

India’s consumer price index (CPI) is likely to have risen to 7.3% year-on-year (y-o-y) last month from 7% in March, reflecting higher food prices and elevated energy costs. 

Similarly, the CPI in Indonesia is expected to increase to 3% y-o-y in April from 2.6% previously. 

Meanwhile, Kenanga Research said as BNM is broadly expected to keep the overnight policy rate (OPR) unchanged at 1.75% and the United States dollar index (DXY) is to remain elevated at around 104, the ringgit may continue to trade under pressure, within the 4.36 to 4.38 range. 

“The USD may continue to be supported by a series of potential hawkish statements by the United States Federal Reserve speakers and rising price pressures.

“However, a stronger-than-expected domestic macroeconomic reading, especially for Q1 2022 gross domestic product, may help to limit the ringgit’s depreciation,” it said. 

BNM is scheduled to hold its third monetary policy meeting on Wednesday, while the announcement of Economic and Financial Developments in Malaysia in Q1 2022 will be made on Friday. – Bernama, May 9, 2022.