Singapore downgrades Q4 GDP, keeps 2023 forecast

SINGAPORE — Singapore’s economy grew slightly less than initially estimated in the fourth quarter from a year ago, official data showed on Monday, and the government kept its forecast for annual growth to come in at 0.5% – 2.5% this year. Gross domestic product (GDP) grew 2.1% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, the Ministry of…
Singapore downgrades Q4 GDP, keeps 2023 forecast

SINGAPORE — Singapore’s economy grew slightly less than initially estimated in the fourth quarter from a year ago, official data showed on Monday, and the government kept its forecast for annual growth to come in at 0.5% – 2.5% this year.

Gross domestic product (GDP) grew 2.1% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said, slightly lower than the 2.2% growth in the government’s advance estimate due to slightly weaker construction and service sector growth.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

  • Access articles from across Canada with one account
  • Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
  • Enjoy additional articles per month
  • Get email updates from your favourite authors

Financial Post Top Stories

Sign up to receive the daily top stories from the Financial Post, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.

By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails or any newsletter. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300

Analysts had expected a 2.3% increase, according to a Reuters poll.

“Singapore’s external demand outlook for 2023 has improved slightly. In particular, growth in China is projected to pick up in tandem with the faster-than-expected easing of its COVID-19 restrictions,” said Gabriel Lim, permanent secretary for trade and industry.

“Growth outlook of the U.S. and Eurozone economies remains weak amidst tighter financial conditions, which will weigh on consumption and investment spending in these economies,” he added.

For the full year, GDP grew 3.6% versus an initial 3.8% estimate.

Analysts said that some services industries will fare better this year amid China’s reopening, while manufacturing, especially electronics, is likely to weigh on growth in the short-term.

INFLATION

Singapore has seen some slight signs of price pressures easing in recent months but inflation still remained elevated at about 5%.

The current central bank monetary policy stance remains appropriate, said Edward Robinson, Deputy Managing Director at the Monetary Authority of Singapore said. The next policy meeting is expected in April.

“One of the important sources of inflation that we will be monitoring and analyzing quite carefully through this year is related to the labor market conditions both overseas in our key export markets, as well as domestically,” Robinson said.

He also noted that on a quarter-on-quarter basis headline and core inflation have shown slight declining momentum, in line with expectations.

“Inflation is likely to subside gradually in 2H23, but likely in fits and starts amid the volatile commodity prices, including food and energy,” said Selena Ling, head of treasury research and strategy at OCBC.

“Looks like the window remains open for a tightening if core inflation remains very sticky on the downside,” she added.

Meanwhile, the country’s sales tax was raised to 8% from 7% on Jan. 1 as the government seeks more revenue to fund increasing healthcare spending for its aging population. The sales tax will be further raised to 9% from 2024.

Since April last year, Singapore had lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions with many international events returning to the city-state, attracting tourists and businesses. The remaining restrictions will be relaxed from Monday.

The Asian financial hub is expecting tourism to recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2024. (Reporting by Chen Lin in Singapore; Editing by Sam Holmes)

Read More

Total
0
Shares
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Related Posts
Aurora Spine Receives IRB Approval To Commence Multicenter Study for its DEXA-C™ Cervical Interbody System
Read More

Aurora Spine Receives IRB Approval To Commence Multicenter Study for its DEXA-C™ Cervical Interbody System

CARLSBAD, Calif., March 02, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aurora Spine Corporation (“Aurora Spine” or the “Company”) (TSXV: ASG) (OTCQB: ASAPF), a designer and manufacturer of innovative medical devices that improve spinal surgery outcomes, today announced it has received Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval for its new multicenter study of its DEXA-C Cervical Interbody System, which…
Maine Lawmakers Approve Bill to Boost Offshore Wind Development
Read More

Maine Lawmakers Approve Bill to Boost Offshore Wind Development

Maine moved a step closer to becoming the East Coast’s first floating offshore wind location after lawmakers approved a bill paving the way for deep-water development. Author of the article: Bloomberg News Cailley LaPara Published Jul 26, 2023  •  Last updated 4 hours ago  •  1 minute read Barges position offshore floating wind turbines during assembly…