RoboMacro Research

ASEAN Macro Daily(Beta Mode)

August 26, 2026 robomacro.com

BoT Holds at 1%; BI Nominee Eyes Rupiah

1 Central Bank Interest
JCI6,501.67-0.37%
KLCI1,736.33-0.01%
STI5,735.68+0.97%
USD/IDR17,712.00-0.01%

Market Snapshot

AssetLevelChange
JCI6,501.67-0.37%
KLCI1,736.33-0.01%
STI5,735.68+0.97%
USD/IDR17,712.00-0.01%
USD/THB32.78+0.34%
USD/MYR4.02-0.41%
USD/PHP61.62-0.06%
USD/SGD1.27+0.12%
Brent Crude86.56-2.28%
Gold4,647.80+0.21%
Bitcoin78,812.74+0.32%
Indonesia 10Y Govt Yield--
Thailand 10Y Govt Yield--

Prior Economic Events

Data Prior Cons Actual
Central Bank Interest Rate Decision111
Indonesia Industrial Production YoYIndonesia Industrial Production YoY | Type: macro_line | YoY %: 5.345 (2026-05-01) | Range: -3.835–19.33 | Trend(5pt): 4.657,7.529,3.206,5.914,5.345

Today's Economic Events

Data Prior Cons Time
Central Bank Interest Rate Decision4.75502:30
Trade Balance-450m-00:00
Inflation Rate Year-over-Year2.88-00:00
  • Bank of Thailand kept policy rate at 1% for third straight meeting amid weak uneven growth.
  • Indonesia central bank nominee Destry Damayanti pledged rupiah defense alongside pro-growth stance.
  • Regional equities mixed with STI up 0.97% while JCI fell 0.37% on thin volume.

Yesterday's Recap

Thailand’s central bank held its key rate at 1% as expected, citing persistently weak and uneven economic recovery despite modest tourism rebound. The decision leaves BoT among the most cautious in ASEAN as growth lags peers. Indonesia’s rupiah slipped to 17,712 against the dollar ahead of US data releases, with investors monitoring capital flow signals.

Equity markets closed mixed: Singapore’s STI rose 0.97% to 5,735.68 while Indonesia’s JCI declined 0.37% to 6,501.67. Malaysia’s KLCI edged down 0.01% and the Philippines peso firmed slightly. Brent crude fell 2.28% to 86.56, easing imported inflation pressures across the region.

No major data prints emerged from Indonesia, Malaysia or Vietnam. USD/THB rose 0.34% to 32.78 while USD/MYR fell 0.41% to 4.02, reflecting divergent capital flows. Gold edged up 0.21% to 4,647.80 as a hedge amid regional currency volatility.

The Day Ahead

Philippines central bank meets today with markets pricing in a potential 25bp hike to 5% amid sticky inflation. Indonesia will release August trade balance and September inflation figures on 1 September, key for BI policy calibration. Vietnam industrial production and retail sales data are due shortly, expected to underscore its manufacturing momentum.

Singapore’s MAS will next review its NEER band in October, with no immediate adjustment anticipated. Thailand’s weak growth backdrop keeps BoT on hold through year-end. Regional FX volatility may rise on US PCE prints and any Fed signals.

USD/IDR held near 17,712 while Brent’s drop to 86.56 supports net energy importers.

Other Economic Notes

Vietnam continues to capture supply-chain shifts with electronics exports surging and GDP growth forecasts reaching 11% for 2027. Indonesia’s palm-oil and nickel shipments remain robust, supporting external balances despite rupiah pressure. Malaysia’s semiconductor exports posted solid gains, reinforcing its role in global tech chains.

Remittance inflows to the Philippines stayed resilient, cushioning consumption even as inflation cooled. <i>↓ p.2</i>

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ASEAN Macro Daily(Beta Mode)

August 26, 2026 robomacro.com
USD/IDR Exchange Rate USD/IDR Exchange Rate | Type: market_hloc | IDR per USD: 1.771e+04 (2026-08-26) | Range: 1.766e+04–1.819e+04 | Trend(6pt): 1.776e+04,1.773e+04,1.812e+04,1.804e+04,1.766e+04,1.771e+04
JCI Indonesia Equity Index JCI Indonesia Equity Index | Type: market_hloc | Index Level: 6502 (2026-08-24) | Range: 5342–6526 | Trend(5pt): 6130,6117,6038,6234,6502
Brent Crude Oil Price Brent Crude Oil Price | Type: market_hloc | USD per Barrel: 86.56 (2026-08-26) | Range: 71.57–100.7 | Trend(5pt): 99.58,79.55,83.3,79.36,86.56

Other Economic Notes (continued)

Thailand’s tourism recovery remains below 2019 levels, limiting upside to services output. These divergences highlight ASEAN’s varied exposure to China-plus-one flows and commodity cycles. JCI at 6,501.67 and KLCI at 1,736.33 show limited follow-through from commodity support.

Global Macro News

US inflation stayed sticky in July while second-quarter GDP held at 1.5%, keeping Fed policy on a cautious path. Fed officials including Barkin noted the economy’s resilience despite mixed signals, supporting higher-for-longer rates. Sticky US prices could delay ASEAN easing cycles and sustain pressure on regional currencies.

China import data beat expectations, providing modest support to Indonesian commodity exporters. Global risk sentiment improved with Asian tech stocks rising ahead of Nvidia results. Brent’s decline eased energy import costs for net importers such as Thailand and the Philippines.

Gold held near record levels, offering a hedge for central bank reserves. USD/SGD rose 0.12% to 1.27 amid safe-haven bids.

ASEAN Central Banks Watch

Bank of Thailand’s unanimous hold at 1% reflects concern over low uneven growth and leaves policy among the most accommodative in ASEAN. Indonesia’s sole nominee Destry Damayanti outlined a pro-market blueprint balancing growth support with rupiah stability and pledged central bank independence. BI remains the most active in FX intervention among the six, with reserves adequate but under watch amid capital flow sensitivity.

Philippines BSP faces a live decision today; consensus points to a 25bp hike to 5% as inflation hovers near target. Malaysia’s BNM and Vietnam’s SBV are expected to stay on hold, prioritizing stability over easing. Singapore’s MAS continues to manage the NEER band rather than interest rates, with no change signaled before October.

Policy divergence persists, with BI and BSP leaning tighter on currency and inflation concerns while BoT stays dovish.

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