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Singapore's benchmark surged Monday, tracking regional gains after a US-Iran deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz lifted investor sentiment.

International

Asia Week Ahead: PMI Reports; Central Bank Decisions; and Inflation Prints

For the week ahead in Asia, the economic calendar is packed with S&P Global's monthly purchasing managers' index reports, inflation prints, and central bank decisions across the region.Monday brings a slate of S&P Global manufacturing PMI reports for April, alongside Indonesia's inflation and trade figures.On Tuesday, markets will turn to the Reserve Bank of Australia's interest rate decision, while Thailand and the Philippines release April inflation data.Wednesday features South Korea's April inflation print and New Zealand's first-quarter labor-market report, along with PMI readings from India, China, Hong Kong and Singapore.On Thursday, Malaysia's central bank decision will be in focus, alongside Taiwan's April inflation data and the Philippines' first-quarter GDP report.On Friday, Taiwan's April trade data and Malaysia's March industrial production figures will be due, before China closes out the week with April trade figures on Saturday.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, May 4The week kicked off with a slate of S&P Global purchasing managers' index reports covering manufacturing activity during April.Most economies in the region saw a rise in output despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East which has pushed oil prices upwards.Malaysia's manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace in four years in April, supported by stronger output and a return to growth in new orders.The S&P Global Malaysia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 51.6 in April from 50.7 in March, marking a second straight month of expansion.Output grew at the fastest pace since December 2021, while new orders increased as firms and clients built safety stocks amid uncertainty linked to the Middle East war.Output activity also expanded in South Korea, India, and Taiwan, according to S&P Global.Meanwhile, Vietnam's manufacturing sector also expanded, albeit at a slower pace.The S&P Global Vietnam Manufacturing PMI slipped to 50.5 in April from 51.2 in March, a seven-month low, signalling a tenth straight month of expansion but only marginal growth.In contrast, Indonesia's manufacturing sector slipped into contraction in April as cost pressures intensified due to material shortages and delays linked to the Middle East conflict.The S&P Global Indonesia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 49.1 in April from 50.1 in March, dropping below the 50 mark for the first time in nine months.Manufacturing activity similarly slipped in the Philippines as new orders fell sharply and cost pressures intensified.Indonesia released inflation figures, noting a 2.4% year on year rise in prices during April -- slower than the 3.5% recorded a month prior.The island state also booked a trade surplus of $5.55 billion in the first quarter, supported by a strong non-oil and gas balance despite higher import growth, according to official data released by Statistics Indonesia.The Melbourne Institute released its monthly inflation gauge, noting another increase in April, mainly driven by higher recreation-related prices. The monthly cost of living also increased in April, especially for employees and self-funded retirees.TUESDAY, May 5An interest rate decision in Australia will capture headlines on Tuesday.The Reserve Bank of Australia is likely to rate hikes by 25 basis points to 4.35% as persistent inflation pressures and rising fuel costs linked to Middle East supply disruptions keeps the central bank on a hawkish path even as global peers hold steady.Thailand and the Philippines will release inflation data for April.Economists at ING said they expect the Philippines' headline inflation to rise above 5% as the government passes on the impact of higher global oil prices onto consumers. The Philippines' inflation climbed to 4.1% in March.Thailand is similarly expected to see a rise in consumer prices during April. According to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics, headline inflation could clock in at 1.7% on an annual basis, compared with a 0.08% decline in March.First-quarter gross domestic growth data will be due in Indonesia. DBS said it was forecasting 5.6% growth for the quarter thanks to government spending and festive spending during the period, the Wall Street Journal reported.Hong Kong will similarly release its first-quarter advance GDP growth estimate on Tuesday.Meanwhile, March retail sales figures will be expected in Singapore.On the activity front, S&P Global will release PMI reports manufacturing activity in Thailand and services and composite activity in Australia.WEDNESDAY, May 6Another inflation print, this time in South Korea.Economists at ING said they expect consumer prices to rise at a faster pace in April despite attempts by Seoul to rein in the impact of rising oil costs on consumers. A consensus compiled by Trading Economics indicated headline inflation could clock in at 2.6%.In March, South Korea's annual inflation rose to 2.2%, breaching the central bank's 2% target.First-quarter labor data from New Zealand will also be in the news.CommBank expects headline labor-market figures to remain weak, forecasting just 0.1% quarterly employment growth and a rise in unemployment to 5.5%, compared with Trading Economics consensus estimates of 0.3% employment growth and a 5.4% jobless rate for the first quarter."We do not envisage a labor market recovery until 2027, reflective of adverse impacts from geopolitical ructions," CommBank said in a preview.The Philippines will similarly release labor data for March, as well as industrial production figures.ING said it expects unemployment to edge higher. "On the industry side, weak soft construction activity should continue to weigh on growth," ING said.Additional S&P Global PMI reports covering services and composite activity in India and China, as well as overall activity in Hong Kong and Singapore, will be due.A business confidence report will be due in Thailand, while Hong Kong's March retail sales figures will also be on display.THURSDAY, May 7Malaysia's central bank will meet for its interest rate decision, with no change expected in the 2.75% policy rate.RHB Bank said it expects Bank Negara Malaysia to hold rates as growth remains steady and inflation remains in check, the Wall Street Journal reported.Taiwan's April inflation print will be due, with analysts looking for signs on how the Iran war was weighing in on prices. ING said it expects to see inflationary pressure picking up after limited pass through of energy prices in March.Australia will release March trade figures. The country's trade surplus could fall to A$4.45 billion from the A$5.69 billion recorded in the month prior, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.CommBank said it expects the goods trade balance to decline due to rising fuel imports in the wake of the Iran conflict.The Philippines' first-quarter GDP growth figures will be expected. ING said the Philippines' economy could recover to a growth of 4.3% year on year thanks to favorable base effects and some pick-up in government spending.The Philippines' economy grew by 3% last quarter.Another confidence report covering consumer sentiment will be due in Thailand.FRIDAY, May 8Markets will be on the lookout for Taiwan's trade data for April.ING said it expects the island state's trade surplus to rise to $21.6 billion from $21.3 billion in the month prior. "We're looking for another strong month, with 59.3% YoY export growth and 35.5% import growth," ING said in a preview.In Malaysia, March industrial production figures will be due.S&P Global will release PMI reports covering services and composite activity in Japan.SATURDAY, May 9China will release its April trade data on Saturday.The world's second largest economy could record a surplus of $82.4 billion for the month, rising from $51.13 billion in March, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.Analysts at DBS expect a sharp uptick in surplus, with export growth more than doubling to 8.4% from the 2.5% rise seen in March, the WSJ reported.

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Asia

Market Chatter: Southeast Asians Turn to New Crude Oil Suppliers Amid Middle East Crisis

Southeast Asian countries are changing where they buy crude oil, moving away from Gulf suppliers and turning to places like the US, Brunei and Libya, Nikkei Asian Review reported Monday, citing trade data and Kpler shipping figures.The shift comes as disruptions in Middle Eastern supply routes have hit flows through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing import-reliant economies such as Thailand and Vietnam to look for new sources. Thailand's imports from the UAE fell sharply in April, while shipments from Brunei and Libya increased, according to the report.Vietnam has also reworked its supply mix, with lower volumes from traditional suppliers offset by arrivals from countries including Angola, Argentina and the United States. Singapore has similarly cut reliance on Gulf crude, with most of its imports now sourced from the US, the news outlet said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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Asia

ADB Commits $70 Billion Investment in Asia Through 20235 to Boost Energy, Digital Infrastructure

The Asian Development Bank will inject $70 billion through 2035 to expand energy and digital infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific, with a focus on cross-border electricity trade and broader internet access.In the recent report on Monday, ADB President Masato Kanda said stronger regional connectivity will help lower costs and support growth. The bank plans to mobilize $50 billion under its Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative to link national grids, scale up renewable energy use, and build transmission lines, substations and storage.A further $20 billion will go towards the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway, funding fibre networks, data centres and other digital systems. By 2035, the projects aim to connect 200 million people to power, widen broadband access, and generate jobs across the region, the report said.

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US Markets

ADB Pledges $70 Billion For Energy, Digital Networks Across APAC as Middle East Conflict Batters Outlook

The Asian Development Bank is committing $70 billion to support new energy and digital infrastructure initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region by 2035.ADB President Masato Kanda announced the pledge on Sunday during the lender's annual meeting in Uzbekistan."Energy and digital access will define the region's future," said Kanda. "These two initiatives build the systems Asia and the Pacific need to grow, compete, and connect. By linking power grids and digital networks across borders, we can lower costs, expand opportunity, and bring reliable power and digital access to hundreds of millions of people."The pledge comes as the ADB sharply downgraded its forecast for the APAC region, citing energy disruptions from the ongoing Middle East conflict.On Wednesday, the ADB slashed its GDP growth outlook for developing Asia and the Pacific to 4.7% in 2026 from the previous 5.1% forecast.Inflation for 2026 is projected to accelerate to 5.2% in 2026 from 3% in 2025, before easing to 4.1% in 2027."Our revised outlook is a significant downward revision for growth and a sharp increase in inflation following a special update to reflect the deepening crisis," Kanda said at the time.The bank's new outlook assumes that oil prices average around $96 a barrel in 2026, well above the $69 per barrel average in January and February before the Middle East conflict. The bank expects oil prices to ease to around $80 per barrel in 2027."We are confronting systemic, long-lasting disruptions to global energy and trade networks, not just temporary volatility. ADB will remain an agile partner in protecting the region's economy; tracking fast-moving risks, and moving with urgency to scale up our support," Kanda added.Diesel prices across several Southeast Asian countries have increased by more than 100% since late February, the ADB said in its updated outlook report.The ADB also noted in its Wednesday report that the energy shock is also affecting fertilizer prices, which it said could add to food inflation, particularly for economies most dependent on Middle East imports.Against that backdrop, the ADB is committing $70 billion to build new energy and digital infrastructure in Asia and the Pacific by 2035.The largest investment, worth $50 billion, will be allocated towards cross-border power infrastructure to unlock renewable energy at scale, the ADB said.The project will focus on transmission and grid integration, including cross-border lines, substations, storage, and grid digitalization, according to the lender.By 2035, the bank aims to integrate about 20 gigawatts of renewable energy across borders, connect 22,000 circuit-kilometers of transmission lines, and cut regional power sector emissions by 15%, while improving energy access for around 200 million people.The remaining $20 billion will fund the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway, targeting digital corridors, data infrastructure, and AI-ready economies.The project aims to bring first-time broadband access to 200 million people and cut connectivity costs in remote and landlocked areas by about 40%.The South Korean government will back a new Center for AI Innovation and Development in Seoul with a $20 million contribution. The center will aim to train about 3 million people in digital and AI-related skills by 2035.Separately on Sunday, the ADB also unveiled a Critical Minerals-to-Manufacturing Financing Partnership Facility designed to help the region move beyond mining into higher-value industries such as processing, manufacturing, and recycling.Japan committed $20 million to the grant window, the UK contributed $1.6 million, and the Korea Eximbank and the Korean Trade Insurance Corporation each signed $500 million memorandums as the facility's first partners.

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Asia

Singapore Shares Surge More Than 1% as DBS Books Record Total Income

Singapore shares zoomed over 1% at the close on Thursday, with the market buoyed by DBS (SGX:D05) driving investor sentiment after posting record net income for the first quarter of the year.The Straits Times Index (STI), a key benchmark for the Singapore Exchange, ranged between 4,880.67 and 4,917.19 throughout the day. It ended the session at 4,912.69, up 51.72 points or 1.1% compared to Wednesday's close.The bank's shares closed over 3% higher with its total income up 1% year over year to SG$5.95 billion from SG$5.91 billion.Meanwhile, Asian markets remained positive, boosted by progress made by Japan and the US over tariff negotiations.In economic news, Singapore's manufacturing prices jumped 20.3% year over year in March, extending the 5.4% increase in the previous month, the city-state's Department of Statistics reported.Meanwhile, Singapore's Export Price Index rose 8.4% year on year in March, reversing a 4.2% decline in the preceding month.Singapore's total employment grew by 5,000 during the first quarter of the year, compared to 2,300 a year earlier, marking the 18th consecutive quarter of job growth, according to preliminary data from the Ministry of Manpower.Lending activity in Singapore expanded in March, with total loans and advances to residents rising to SG$902.3 billion from SG$893.6 billion in February, according to preliminary data released by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.In other corporate news, Tianjin Pharmaceuticals Da Ren Tang's (SGX:T14) shares were up nearly 7% at the close as its net attributable profit to owners during the first quarter of the year jumped by 13% to 423.8 million yuan from 374.2 million yuan a year earlier.

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International

ADB Cuts Economic Growth Projections for Developing Asia Amid Middle East Crisis

The Asian Development Bank sharply downgraded its economic growth forecasts for developing Asia and the Pacific while raising inflation projections, citing prolonged disruptions from the Middle East conflict that are driving up energy prices and tightening financial conditions.The bank now expects regional growth of 4.7% in 2026 and 4.8% in 2027, down from its earlier forecast of 5.1% for both years. Meanwhile, inflation is projected to accelerate to 5.2% this year before slowing to 4.1% in 2027, according to the latest ADB report.ADB said the revisions reflect sustained pressure on oil and gas prices, with crude expected to average about $96 per barrel in 2026, significantly higher than pre-conflict levels, weighing on fuel-importing economies.Under a more severe scenario, growth could ease further to 4.2% this year and 4% next year, while inflation may spike to 7.4% in 2026, the bank added, urging targeted fiscal support and measured monetary responses.

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International

Singapore Manufacturing, Domestic Prices Rise in March

Singapore's manufacturing prices jumped 20.3% year over year in March, extending the 5.4% increase in the previous month, the city-state's Department of Statistics reported Thursday.The oil index surged 54.3%, while the non-oil index rose 14.9% on-year during the month, the filing said.Month-over-month, manufacturing prices rose 11.2%, following a 3.9% rise in the previous month, the data showed.Meanwhile, Singapore's Domestic Supply Price Index rose 21.6% in March, extending a 2.4% increase in February. The oil index jumped 49.9%, and the non-oil index was up by 12.2%, the data showed.Month-on-month, the Domestic Supply Price Index rose 16.1%, compared to a 3.7% rise in the previous month.

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International

Singapore's Export, Import Prices Rise in March

Singapore's Export Price Index rose 8.4% year on year in March, reversing a 4.2% decline in the preceding month, the city-state's Department of Statistics reported Thursday.The Non-Oil Index gained 0.2%, while the Oil Index surged 44.5% on year during the month.Meanwhile, the Import Price Index rose 11.1% year on year in March, after a 1.3% decline in the preceding month.The Non-Oil Index rose 2.3% and the Oil Index surged 41.5% on year, the data showed.On a month-on-month basis, the Export Price Index rose 11.7%, while the Import Price Index rose 11.2%, the data showed.

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International

Singapore's Services Sector Flag Weaker Business Outlook for Next Six Months

Singapore's services sector firms are expecting weak business conditions during the April till September period, with 4% of the firms expecting a less favorable outlook, according to data released by the Singapore Department of Statistics on Thursday.Firms from the food and beverage services cluster expect softer outlook due to fewer festive events on top of cost cutting due to rising prices.Similarly, the transport and storage industry is also expecting dampened market confidence during the period.Business conditions are likely to be more challenging for the retail trade industry.Meanwhile, the wholesale trade industry is forecasting an upbeat business outlook, backed by increased demand for scalable storage.A net weighted balance of 1% of firms from the services industries are projecting weaker operating revenue, while employment outlook has been predicted to remain unchanged.

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International

Singapore Manufacturing Sector's Business Sentiments Remain Positive for April-September

Business sentiments in Singapore's manufacturing sector are expected to remain positive from April to September despite market volatility caused by conflict in the Middle East, according to a release by EDB Singapore on Thursday.About 34% of manufacturers are expecting conditions to improve, while 17% expect a weaker outlook.A net weighted balance of 17% of firms expect the outlook to be favorable in the six months to September compared with the first quarter of the year.Meanwhile, 51% of precision engineering firms remain optimistic about the business outlook, backed by strong AI-related investment.A net weighted balance of 42% of firms from the electronics cluster also remained positive, while 8% of the firms from the transport engineering sector shared the same sentiment.However, about 2% of firms from the biomedical manufacturing sector expect weaker business conditions due to tariff uncertainty and geopolitical tensions.

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Asia

Singapore's Total Employment Expands in Q1

Singapore's total employment grew by 5,000 during the first quarter of the year, compared to 2,300 a year earlier, marking the 18th consecutive quarter of job growth, according to preliminary data from the Ministry of Manpower released Thursday.Despite the year-on-year growth, employment was down from the 17,700 growth in the previous quarter, mainly due to broad-based weakening in the labor market.Overall, unemployment rates edged up to 2.1% in March, compared to 2.0% in December 2025.Retrenchments remained low at 1.5 per 1,000 employees in Q1, unchanged from Q4, 2025.The ministry expects labor market to remain tight and expand in the second quarter. However, the share of firms expecting to hire in the next three months fell to 44.6% in March, compared to 54.6% in February.

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International

Singapore's Loans to Residents Rise in March

Lending activity in Singapore expanded in March, with total loans and advances to residents rising to SG$902.3 billion from SG$893.6 billion in February, according to preliminary data released by the Monetary Authority of Singapore on Thursday.Of the total, loans to businesses grew to SG$547.59 billion from SG$541.49 billion a month prior.Consumer loans rose to SG$354.67 billion in March from SG$352.16 billion a month earlier, with housing and bridging loans comprising SG$248.3 billion.

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Asia

Singapore Shares Remain in Red as City-State Battles Global Energy Security Issues

Singapore shares remained in the red zone on Wednesday, with Singaporean investors assessing the true impact of the US-Iran war on the global energy security nexus.The Straits Times Index (STI), a key benchmark for the Singapore Exchange, ranged between 4,853.78 and 4,887.99 throughout the day. It ended the session at 4,860.97, down 26.72 points or 0.6% compared to Tuesday's close.On the corporate front, shares of Pacific Radiance (SGX:RXS) were up over 5% at the close as it secured projects worth about SG$11 million.Mapletree Industrial Trust (SGX:ME8U) closed over 4% lower as its distribution per unit or DPU fell 8% during the fiscal fourth quarter ended March 31 to SG$0.0309 from SG$0.0336 a year earlier.Meanwhile, shares of Hong Leong Asia (SGX:H22) were down nearly 4% at the close even though it signed a placement agreement with CGS International Securities Singapore to procure subscriptions for 50 million new shares at SG$2.9 per share to raise SG$145 million.

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International

Singapore's FDI Inflows Reach SG$197 Billion in 2025

Foreign direct investment or FDI inflows in Singapore reached SG$197 billion in 2025, up 8.4% year over year, according to data released by the Singapore Department of Statistics on Tuesday.FDI inflows were driven by the increase in equity capital, which constituted the bulk of total FDIinflows in 2025.The U.S., the Netherlands, Ireland, China and the U.K., were the source economies for Singapore's FDI inflows, accounting for 46.8% of the total inflows in 2025.Sectorwise, the finance and insurance sector accounted for the largest shares, booking 63.9% of the city-state's inflows, the data showed.

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Asia

Market Chatter: Chevron Looking to Conclude Stake in Singapore Refining Assets in May

Chevron is targeting to conclude the 50% sale of its stake in Singapore Refining and other regional assets to Eneos in May, according to a report by Reuters on Tuesday.Speaking with two sources familiar with the matter, the report added that the deal, valued at more than $1 billion, was delayed due to the impact of the US-Iran war.Both parties are now looking at certain terms in the deal, which include offtake agreements, the report added.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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Asia

Singapore Shares Incur Further Losses as US-Iran Conflict Subdues Regional Markets

Singapore shares remained in the red zone on Tuesday, tracking regional losses as investors continued their apprehensive response towards the stalling peace talks between the US and Iran.The Straits Times Index (STI), a key benchmark for the Singapore Exchange, ranged between 4,882.01 and 4,930.02 throughout the day. It ended the session at 4,887.69, down 5.04 points or 0.1% compared to Monday's close.On the corporate front, shares of H2G Green (SGX:5AI) surged nearly 17% at the close as its subsidiary, GasHubUnited Utility, commissioned a major liquefied natural gas facility in Singapore.Mooreast (SGX:1V3) zoomed over 12% as its unit, Mooreast Asia, plans to divest a leasehold property in Singapore.Meanwhile, shares of Addvalue Technologies (SGX:A31) closed over 9% lower even though it received new orders worth around $2.9 million for its space connectivity business.

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US Markets

Singapore Industrial Output Expands in March

Boosted by output of electronic goods, Singapore's industrial output posted solid gains in March, reported the Economic Development Board (EDB) on Monday.However, Singapore's chemical output declined in March, due to oil shortages.The city-state's total manufacturing output rose 10.1% on year in March, and excluding the volatile biomedical category, rose by 13.5% on year, reported the EDB.On a seasonally adjusted basis, Singapore's manufacturing output increased 4.7% in March from February."All (manufacturing) clusters recorded output growth on a year-on-year basis in March 2026, except biomedical manufacturing and chemicals," said the EDB.Singapore's output of electronic goods grew by 30% on year in March, on the strength of demand for consumer electronics and semiconductors, said the agency.The production of precision engineering goods rose 14% on year in March, while general manufacturing production rose by grew 7.6%, according to the EDB.In contrast, biomedical goods output declined 14.3% on year in March due to "softer demand for medical devices and a different production mix of active pharmaceutical ingredients," said officials.Chemical production declined 16.0%, "due to disruptions in feedstock supply," noted the EDB, a reference to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.Until recently, more than two-thirds of imported Singapore crude arrived from the Persian Gulf, reported the Observatory of Economic Complexity.

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Singapore Shares Extend Loss as US-Iran Talks Stall; Addvalue Technologies Surges 36%

Singapore shares remained in the red zone on Monday amid stalled U.S.-Iran peace negotiations.The Straits Times Index (STI), a key benchmark for the Singapore Exchange, ranged between 4,885.96 and 4,925.71 throughout the day. It ended the session at 4,892.73, down 30.13 points or 0.6% compared to Friday's close.In economic news, Singapore's manufacturing output jumped 10.1% in March, backed by strong growth across almost all clusters, according to the city-state's Department of Statistics.On the corporate front, shares of Addvalue Technologies (SGX:A31) zoomed over 36% at the close as the company filed an application to the SGX-ST for a proposed spin-off of its Inter-Satellite Data Relay System business on Nasdaq.Mooreast's (SGX:1V3) shares closed over 6% higher as its subsidiary, Mooreast Asia, granted HLMG-Nuform System an option to purchase its leasehold property in Singapore for SG$29.7 million.Meanwhile, shares of MoneyMax Financial Services (SGX:5WJ) were up nearly 3% at the close as it raised around SG$43.4 million through the issuance of shares.

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International

Asia Week Ahead: Central Bank Decisions; Inflation Prints; and Trade Data

For the week ahead in Asia, the economic calendar is packed with major data releases, central bank decisions and inflation updates across the region.Monday brings China's first-quarter industrial profits data, as well as Malaysia's producer prices.On Tuesday, markets will turn to the Bank of Japan's interest rate decision, alongside trade figures from Hong Kong and Macao, and India's March production report.Wednesday features Thailand's central bank rate decision and Australia's closely watched quarterly inflation print, while Thursday brings China's official and private PMI readings.On Friday, Japan's Tokyo core inflation reading will be in focus, along with South Korea's April trade data.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, April 27The week kicked off with the release of China's industrial profits data for the first quarter.The total profits of China's industrial enterprises rose 15.5% year on year to 1.696 trillion yuan during the first three months of 2026, with increases seen in the mining, manufacturing, technology, and chemical industries.A drop in profits was witnessed in the utilities industry, as well as the electricity and heat and agricultural industries, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed.Singapore disclosed its manufacturing output stats for March, highlighting a 10.1% jump in production thanks to strong growth across almost all clusters.Malaysia's producer prices rose in March for the first time in a year, driven largely by a rebound in the mining sector, according to Trading Economics.Producer prices climbed 1.1% year on year, reversing a 3.4% decline in the previous month.Meanwhile, Taiwan's consumer confidence index edged up to 62.47 in April, rising 0.17 points from March.The uptick was driven by improvements in four sub-indicators, with sentiment on employment opportunities posting the largest monthly gain.A pair of reports covering business and consumer confidence was also due in the Philippines.TUESDAY, April 28Markets will turn their attention to an interest rate decision scheduled in Japan.The upcoming decision could be a complicated one for the Bank of Japan as it grapples with intensifying inflation domestically and the uncertainty surrounding the Middle East, ING said in a preview.While markets broadly expect the central bank to maintain rates at 0.75%, ING said it continues to believe there's a chance the Bank of Japan may hike rates.Japanese unemployment data is also due the same day, with observers expecting the jobless rate to hover around the 2.6% mark, unchanged from the prior month, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.Hong Kong will disclose trade stats for March. According to Trading Economics, the city state's trade deficit could narrow to HK$43 billion from the HK$64.2 billion recorded in February.Macao will similarly release balance of trade figures. The city state's trade deficit could narrow to 9.4 billion pataca in March from 9.9 billion pataca a month prior, Trading Economics forecasted.India's industrial production data for March will also be in the news. A consensus compiled by Trading Economics indicated analysts expect India's industrial production growth to slow to a rate of 4.2% from 5.2% in February.India's manufacturing weakened in March as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, unstable market conditions, and inflationary pressures impacted output, S&P Global said previously. However, conditions appeared to have improved in April, according to the firm's most recent flash purchasing managers' index release.South Korea's business confidence report for April will be due the same day.WEDNESDAY, April 29Thailand's central bank will meet for its interest rate decision.The Bank of Thailand is seen to hold rates steady at 1% amid softening growth and inflationary pressure due to the conflict in the Middle East, the Wall Street Journal reported.Thailand's March Industrial production data is also expected on the same day.Australia's latest inflation print will be in the news, providing markets with an overview of pricing pressure ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia's May board meeting.Westpac said it expects to see a 4.2% yearly gain in headline inflation for the March quarter.The quarterly data is likely to affirm for the Reserve Bank of Australia that the underlying inflation pressures are evident in the economy before the escalation of the Middle East conflict in late February, ANZ said in a preview.In Singapore, March import and export prices will be expected, as well as producer price inflation data.THURSDAY, April 30China's manufacturing and services sectors will be in focus as the National Bureau of Statistics releases its monthly purchasing managers' index covering manufacturing, non-manufacturing, and general PMI for April.The release will be accompanied by a private reading on China's manufacturing sector from S&P Global.Economists at ING said they expect official data to show activity dipped back into contractionary territory following the expansion witnessed in March.ING forecasts manufacturing PMI falling to 49.9 and the non-manufacturing PMI dipping to 49.8, and said it expects to see pricing pressure continuing to build in the PMI sub-indices.Taiwan will release its first-quarter advance gross domestic product growth rate, with markets looking for signs of whether the island state's economy can continue posting stellar growth due to its global positioning in high-precision semiconductor production.Researchers at ANZ expect Taiwan's first-quarter GDP growth rate to come in at 11.8%, slowing from the 12.7% rise witnessed in the prior quarter, the Wall Street Journal reported.In Australia, the first-quarter import and export prices data is expected. CommBank said it expects export prices to rise 1.2% while import prices to decline 0.6%, both on a quarter-on-quarter basis.Meanwhile, a confidence report due in New Zealand is likely to show a further deterioration in business sentiment due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, CommBank said in a preview.Further trade data is expected in the Philippines, which could see its trade deficit widen to $4.1 billion in March from $3.68 billion in April, according to Trading Economics.Both South Korea and Japan will release industrial production and retail sales data for March.ING said it expects Japan's industrial production to "rebound quite firmly" during the month. The firm expects industrial output to rise 2.2% year on year from the 0.4% rise witnessed in February.Japan will additionally release a consumer confidence report for April, while a similar release covering business confidence will be due in Singapore.Singapore's first-quarter preliminary unemployment rate will also be released on Thursday.Thailand's February retail sales stats will be due.FRIDAY, May 1Japan's closely watched Tokyo core consumer price index for April will capture headlines, offering markets an early indicator of the overall inflation rate in the country."The Tokyo CPI is expected to rise faster in April, reflecting recent energy price hikes, a weak JPY, solid wage growth, and bi-annual price adjustments," ING said in a preview.South Korea announces April trade data.The country's trade surplus could drop marginally to $26 billion from $26.2 billion a month prior, even as exports show a 50% year on year growth due to robust chip shipments, ING said.A consumer confidence report due in New Zealand could show sentiment weakening further in April and over the coming months amid the Middle East conflict, CommBank said in a preview."As the conflict progresses, overall consumer confidence is expected to continue falling," CommBank said.Neighboring Australia will release first-quarter produce price data.On the activity front, S&P Global releases its PMI reports covering manufacturing activity in Australia and Japan.

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International

Singapore Manufacturing Output Rises 10% in March

Singapore's manufacturing output jumped 10.1% in March, backed by strong growth across almost all clusters, the city-state's Department of Statistics reported Monday.Excluding biomedical manufacturing, output rose 13.5% year-on-year in March.Electronics output grew 30%, driven by robust AI-related demand, the data showed. Precision engineering gained 14.0%, while general manufacturing and transport engineering expanded 7.6% and 2.0%, respectively.Meanwhile, biomedical manufacturing fell 14.3%, mainly due to softer demand for medical devices, while chemicals dropped 16.0%.On a month-on-month basis, manufacturing output increased 4.7% in March. Excluding biomedical manufacturing, output was up 3.5% on a monthly basis.

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