ASEAN Macro Daily(Beta Mode)

April 02, 2026 robomacro.com

Indonesian Inflation Eases, Rupiah Weakens

Market Snapshot

AssetLevelChange
JCI7,184.44+1.93%
SET1,470.99+1.58%
KLCI1,708.90+1.10%
PSEi5,998.68+0.84%
STI4,975.83+1.85%
USD/IDR17,010.00+0.43%
USD/THB32.61+0.31%
USD/MYR4.04-0.26%
USD/PHP60.33-0.41%
USD/SGD1.28+0.03%
Brent Crude109.05+7.80%
Gold4,702.70-1.68%
Bitcoin66,962.07-1.64%
Indonesia 10Y Govt Yield--
Thailand 10Y Govt Yield--

Prior Economic Events

Data Prior Cons Actual
Inflation Rate Year-over-Year4.763.603.48
Trade Balance960m1,550m1,280m
Brent Crude Oil PriceBrent Crude Oil Price | Type: macro_line | Brent Price USD: 121.9 (2026-03-30) | Range: 59.93–133.2 | Trend(5pt): 61.47,121.8,94.46,74.58,121.9

Today's Economic Events

Data Prior Cons Time
No events available
  • Indonesia's March inflation eased to 3.48% YoY, below consensus of 3.60%, signaling cooling price pressures amid stable food costs.
  • Trade balance came in at $1.28 billion surplus, missing expectations of $1.55 billion, as export growth slowed to 1.01% amid wider trade challenges.
  • Rupiah weakened beyond 17,000/USD on geopolitical strains and budget deficit fears, while ASEAN equities rallied on commodity gains.

Yesterday's Recap

Indonesia dominated ASEAN macro news with March inflation dropping to 3.48% YoY, undercutting forecasts and prior 4.76%, driven by moderated food and energy prices despite subsidy expansions. The trade surplus came in at $1.28 billion, below consensus, reflecting slower export momentum in commodities like nickel and palm oil amid global demand softness. Rupiah depreciation persisted, with USD/IDR rising 0.43% to 17,010, pressured by Middle East tensions and fiscal concerns, though Bank Indonesia's reforms drew positive index provider feedback.

Equity markets across the region advanced, led by Indonesia's JCI up 1.93% to 7,184.44 on mining gains, Singapore's STI +1.85% to 4,975.83 buoyed by financials, and Thailand's SET +1.58% to 1,470.99 amid tourism optimism. Malaysia's KLCI rose 1.10% to 1,708.90, supported by energy stocks as Brent crude surged 7.80% to $109.05, while Philippines' PSEi gained 0.84% to 5,998.68 on remittance inflows. Vietnam saw steady manufacturing activity, though not detailed in releases, contributing to regional supply chain resilience.

The Day Ahead

No major ASEAN data releases are scheduled for today, allowing markets to digest yesterday's Indonesian figures and global risk cues. Attention turns to potential FX interventions, especially in Indonesia where rupiah weakness tests BI's defenses. Thailand may see follow-up on BoT's cash transaction crackdown, impacting informal sectors.

Broader events include monitoring cross-border payment integrations, like Indonesia's QRIS launch with South Korea, which could boost tourism and trade flows. Singapore's financial hub status may highlight any MAS commentary on NEER bands amid USD strength. Overall, quiet calendar shifts focus to geopolitical developments influencing commodity prices and ASEAN exports.

Other Economic Notes

ASEAN economies continue navigating supply chain shifts from China and US tensions, with Vietnam and Malaysia attracting FDI in semiconductors and electronics. Indonesia's energy subsidy hike by Rp100 trillion underscores fiscal strains from oil volatility, potentially widening deficits in commodity-reliant nations. Thailand's push toward electric vehicles accelerates amid high oil prices, aligning with regional green transitions but challenging traditional auto sectors.

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ASEAN Macro Daily(Beta Mode)

April 02, 2026 robomacro.com
Indonesia Policy Rate Indonesia Policy Rate | Type: macro_line | Indonesia Central Bank Rate: 3.96 (2026-02-01) | Range: 2.79–6.3 | Trend(6pt): 2.8,2.79,5.6,6.12,3.77,3.96
USD/IDR FX Pair USD/IDR FX Pair | Type: market_hloc | USD/IDR: 1.701e+04 (2026-04-02) | Range: 1.667e+04–1.704e+04 | Trend(5pt): 1.667e+04,1.677e+04,1.681e+04,1.685e+04,1.701e+04
Brent Oil vs Gold Brent Oil vs Gold | Type: market_hloc | Brent: 109.1 (2026-04-02) | Range: 59.96–118.3 | Trend(6pt): 60.75,65.59,67.42,87.8,118.3,109.1 | Gold: 4703 (2026-04-02) | Range: 4314–5318 | Trend(6pt): 4314,5080,4883,5230,4648,4703
Thailand SET Index Thailand SET Index | Type: market_hloc | SET: 1471 (2026-04-01) | Range: 1235–1534 | Trend(6pt): 1280,1307,1438,1406,1448,1471

Global Macro News

Global markets reacted to escalating Middle East conflicts, driving Brent crude up 7.80% and pressuring ASEAN importers like Thailand and Philippines through higher energy costs. US dollar strength persisted, weighing on emerging currencies including the rupiah and baht, as Fed rate cut expectations dimmed amid robust US data. Gold prices fell 1.68% to $4,702.70, reflecting reduced safe-haven demand, while Bitcoin dropped 1.64% to $66,962.07 on regulatory concerns.

Eurozone faces ECB adverse scenarios with inflation risks, potentially slowing demand for ASEAN exports. Bank of Canada holds rates steady despite weakening economy, signaling caution that could influence global capital flows to ASEAN. Egypt's central bank maintains rates, mirroring stability efforts in emerging markets amid FX volatility.

Nigeria's bank recapitalization aims at stronger balance sheets but uncertain real economy impact, echoing ASEAN banking reforms in Malaysia. UK Bank of England warns of overlapping shocks, heightening risk aversion that may curb FDI into ASEAN manufacturing hubs.

ASEAN Central Banks Watch

Bank Indonesia (BI) remains vigilant on rupiah defense, with persistent weakness beyond 17,000/USD prompting potential FX interventions amid adequate reserves, though inflation easing to 3.48% reduces immediate rate hike pressure. Bank of Thailand (BoT) focuses on curbing high-value cash transactions to enhance financial oversight, while oil-driven inflation dynamics may delay any rate cuts in its tourism-dependent economy. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) sees resilient macro backdrop supporting ringgit stability, with deputy governor noting upside GDP surprises and policy stance holding steady.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) benefits from PHP appreciation of 0.41% versus USD, aiding inflation control in the remittance-heavy economy, with no immediate policy shifts signaled. Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) maintains its exchange rate-based policy via NEER bands, with USD/SGD edging up 0.03% reflecting controlled appreciation bias to curb imported inflation. State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) manages dong stability amid manufacturing growth, though not spotlighted in recent data, highlighting policy divergence where BI is most aggressive on FX compared to MAS's band approach.

Overall, ASEAN central banks diverge: BI and BoT lean hawkish on currency pressures, while BNM and BSP emphasize growth resilience.

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