ringgit-dollar
Read More

Malaysia: Ringgit opens lower against US$ Thursday

The ringgit weakened against the US dollar, in early trade Thursday, weighed by poor sentiment in the market, a dealer said. At 9 am(0100gmt), the ringgit was traded at 4.4600/4650 versus the US dollar from 4.4440/4480 on Wednesday. A dealer said the US Federal Reserve (Fed) raised interest rates by 25 basis points, shifting attention […]

Read More
budget-secretary-benjamin-diokno
Read More

Philippines: Government keeps economic assumptions for 2017

The government is keeping most of its macroeconomic assumptions for next year, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said. “For 2017 assumptions, that will be it. My primary concern are the assumptions for the 2018 budget,” he said in a phone interview yesterday. “The growth targets will be kept,” he added. The inter-agency Development and Budget Coordinating […]

Read More
1481733127
Read More

(Thailand) Cambodia: WB: Cambodians Still Vulnerable

While the World Bank commended Cambodia for its strong economic growth and efforts to reduce poverty over the past two decades, it, however, cautioned yesterday that the agriculture and garment sectors posed challenges which could make that growth unsustainable. “An overview of the past two decades, from 1994 to 2014, indicates strong economic growth – […]

Read More
budget-secretary-benjamin-diokno
Read More

Philippines: Gov’t budget plan intact despite US Fed hike

The Duterte administration’s pump-priming plan remains intact despite an expected rise in borrowing costs after the US Federal Reserve delivered its widely anticipated rate hike.   “This is the most anticipated move by the Fed, hence, (it) won’t change our fiscal program, especially the expenditure plan,” Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said in a text message […]

Read More
2137129_620x413
Read More

Thailand: Retailers roll back prices to spur demand

Sixteen leading wholesalers and retailers are set to offer year-end discounts up to 80% on select items for 21 days starting today. Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn said yesterday that the wholesalers and retailers, which together have 13,500 branches nationwide, will cut product prices by 20-80% through Jan 4. The scheme is intended to help reduce […]

Read More
2137113_620x413
Read More

Thailand: Shrimp exports set to grow 10-15%

Thai shrimp exports are expected to grow by 10-15% next year, with domestic supply to hit a record high four years after Thailand began wrestling with early mortality syndrome (EMS). Somsak Paneetatyasai, president of the Thai Shrimp Association, said the country’s overall shrimp industry has been recovering as farmers have achieved greater know-how in improving […]

Read More