{
  "id": 15357597,
  "title": "Malaysia's September trade and inflation data, regional central banks' policies in focus",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/malaysias-september-trade-and-inflation-data-regional-central-banks",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-18T05:35:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/business/economy/2026/10/1558151/malaysias-september-trade-and-inflation-data-regional-central"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: In the week of October 19 to 23, Malaysia's trade and inflation figures, along with regional central bank decisions, will be closely watched. UOB Global Economics & Market Research highlighted these key releases in their outlook. Malaysia's exports are projected to grow 36% year-on-year, slightly below the 45.5% growth in August. Conversely, imports are anticipated to rise 35% YoY, down from the previous 41.1% growth rate, resulting in a wider trade surplus of RM29 billion. Malaysia's headline inflation is expected to increase to 2% from 1.9% in August. Bank Indonesia's monetary policy decision on Wednesday is also a focal point due to the rupiah's pressure and energy price uncertainties. UOB economist Enrico Tanuwidjaja predicts a 25 basis point (bps) rate hike to 6% by Bank Indonesia, despite analysts' consensus view of maintaining the rate at 5.75%. UOB's forecast suggests a pause in rate hikes, with a potential total of 2 additional 25 bps hikes in the fourth quarter of 2026, bringing the policy rate to 6.25% by year-end. In the Philippines, nine analysts expect a 25bps rate hike to 5.25% on Thursday, driven by persistent inflation. China's third-quarter GDP and September economic data will also be closely monitored for signs of momentum in the world's second-largest economy, with UOB forecasting 4.3% YoY growth, in line with the second quarter. The US will see a focus on corporate earnings, with 491 companies reporting third-quarter results, including 74 S&P 500 constituents.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s September trade and inflation data, alongside a series of regional central bank decisions, will be in focus this week.",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysia's trade growth projected at 36% YoY, below August's 45.5%",
    "Inflation expected to rise to 2% from 1.9% in August",
    "Bank Indonesia may hike rates by 25bps to 6% in October"
  ],
  "editors_take": "A concentrated wave of regional economic data and central bank decisions signals a critical period for assessing whether Southeast Asian monetary policies must tighten to combat persistent inflationary pressures.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}