ASEAN Macro Daily(Beta Mode)

April 26, 2026 robomacro.com

BI Hawkish on Rupiah Volatility

Market Snapshot

AssetLevelChange
JCI7,129.49-3.38%
SET1,456.10-0.36%
KLCI1,720.34-0.08%
PSEi5,943.49-0.67%
STI4,922.86-0.43%
USD/IDR17,273.00-0.32%
USD/THB32.31-0.52%
USD/MYR3.96+0.03%
USD/PHP60.69+0.40%
USD/SGD1.28-0.14%
Brent Crude99.13-5.65%
Gold4,740.90+0.76%
Bitcoin78,519.67+1.17%
Indonesia 10Y Govt Yield--
Thailand 10Y Govt Yield--

Prior Economic Events

Data Prior Cons Actual
No events available
Indonesia JCI Equity IndexIndonesia JCI Equity Index | Type: market_hloc | JCI Index: 7129 (2026-04-24) | Range: 6971–8980 | Trend(5pt): 8975,8212,7337,6989,7129

Today's Economic Events

Data Prior Cons Time
Central Bank Interest Rate Decision1103:00
  • Rupiah stabilizes slightly as Bank Indonesia pledges intensified interventions amid global pressures and Fitch downgrades.
  • ASEAN equities mostly fall, led by Indonesia's JCI; Thailand exports reach record high for 21st straight month.
  • Oil prices drop sharply, weighing on commodity economies, while central banks eye inflation and FX risks.

Yesterday's Recap

ASEAN markets closed lower on April 25, with Indonesia's JCI plunging 3.38% to 7,129.49 amid rupiah volatility and Fitch's downgrade of four local banks, reflecting heightened FX risks in the region's largest economy. Thailand's SET edged down 0.36% to 1,456.10, despite positive export data showing a 21st consecutive month of growth, reaching a record $35.16 billion in March, up 18.7% year-on-year, driven by surges to the US. Malaysia's KLCI slipped 0.08% to 1,720.34, weighed by palm oil weakness, while the Philippines' PSEi fell 0.67% to 5,943.49 on remittance inflows but broader USD strength.

Singapore's STI declined 0.43% to 4,922.86 as a financial hub sensitive to global rate expectations. Currencies showed mixed moves: USD/IDR eased 0.32% to 17,273.00 after hitting record lows, signaling some BI support; USD/THB dropped 0.52% to 32.31 on export strength; USD/MYR rose 0.03% to 3.96; USD/PHP increased 0.40% to 60.69; USD/SGD fell 0.14% to 1.28. No major data releases occurred, but news highlighted Indonesia's de-dollarization push and Thailand's tourism rebound aiding economic recovery.

Vietnam was quiet, with ongoing manufacturing shifts from China supporting long-term growth.

The Day Ahead

Attention turns to Thailand's Bank of Thailand interest rate decision on April 29, with consensus expecting the rate to hold at 1%, amid sustained export growth and controlled inflation. Markets will watch for any signals on FX intervention, given USD/THB's recent appreciation. No immediate releases from other ASEAN economies, but Indonesia may see continued rupiah monitoring after BI's hawkish comments.

Singapore's MAS could provide updates on NEER bands if global volatility persists. Broader events include potential Malaysian policy announcements on fuel subsidies, influencing regional energy dynamics. Vietnam's trade data previews might emerge, highlighting electronics exports amid US-China tensions.

Other Economic Notes

Broader ASEAN themes include supply chain diversification, with Vietnam and Malaysia attracting FDI in semiconductors and electronics, bolstering resilience against US-China decoupling. Commodity volatility affects Indonesia and Malaysia, where rupiah weakness and palm oil prices underscore external vulnerabilities, though domestic reforms like de-dollarization aim to enhance stability. (cont...)

Page 1

ASEAN Macro Daily(Beta Mode)

April 26, 2026 robomacro.com
USD/IDR FX Pair USD/IDR FX Pair | Type: market_hloc | USD/IDR Rate: 1.727e+04 (2026-04-26) | Range: 1.667e+04–1.733e+04 | Trend(6pt): 1.677e+04,1.681e+04,1.685e+04,1.692e+04,1.733e+04,1.727e+04
Thailand SET vs Brent Oil Thailand SET vs Brent Oil | Type: market_hloc | SET Index: 1456 (2026-04-24) | Range: 1307–1534 | Trend(5pt): 1307,1438,1406,1448,1456 | Brent Price: 99.13 (2026-04-26) | Range: 65.59–118.3 | Trend(5pt): 65.59,70.35,100.5,109.8,99.13
Singapore STI Index Singapore STI Index | Type: market_hloc | STI Index: 4923 (2026-04-24) | Range: 4757–5041 | Trend(6pt): 4861,4939,4864,4976,4944,4923

Other Economic Notes (continued)

Remittance-dependent Philippines benefits from steady inflows, supporting consumption, while Thailand's tourism and export surge drive recovery divergence across the region.

Global Macro News

Global markets face renewed inflation fears, with Brent crude tumbling 5.65% to 99.13 amid ample supply, pressuring ASEAN oil importers like Singapore and the Philippines but aiding exporters indirectly. Gold rose 0.76% to 4,740.90 as a safe haven, while Bitcoin climbed 1.17% to 78,519.67, reflecting risk appetite shifts that influence ASEAN capital flows. US economic data signals persistent inflation, potentially delaying Fed cuts and strengthening the USD, which exacerbates rupiah and ringgit pressures in Indonesia and Malaysia.

UK's Bank of England warnings on "Trumpflation" highlight transatlantic policy risks, impacting ASEAN trade partners. Swiss National Bank's uncertainty comments underscore global caution, affecting Singapore's financial sector. India's economy faces threats from $100 oil and Hormuz chaos, per Union Bank reports, with spillover effects on ASEAN via energy imports and remittances.

China's slowdown risks weigh on Vietnam's manufacturing exports, while Thai surges to the US indicate tariff-driven shifts.

ASEAN Central Banks Watch

Bank Indonesia has turned more hawkish, committing to intensified FX interventions to stabilize the rupiah amid record lows driven by global factors, not domestic weakness, with officials like Purbaya emphasizing controlled oil prices and reserve adequacy. Thailand's BoT is expected to hold rates at 1% in its upcoming decision, supported by robust exports and tourism, though it monitors baht strength for competitiveness. Malaysia's BNM focuses on institutional reforms to drive growth, with potential fuel subsidy cuts influencing inflation; it diverges from BI by prioritizing structural policies over aggressive FX moves.

The Philippines' BSP watches remittance flows and import growth, maintaining a steady stance amid USD/PHP appreciation, contrasting BI's interventionism. Singapore's MAS, using NEER bands rather than rates, may adjust for global volatility to manage imported inflation, highlighting policy uniqueness in the region. Vietnam's SBV emphasizes capital flow management amid FDI inflows, with less FX aggression than BI but focus on manufacturing stability; overall, divergences persist, with BI most proactive on currency defense while others lean on trade strengths.

Sponsored by Arbitrage Search
Page 2