ASEAN Speaks

Wong Chew Hann, Head of Equity Research, Maybank Investment Bank, shares key highlights from the 2024 Invest ASEAN conference that put Penang at the forefront of dynamic transformation.

Suhaimi Ilias, Chief Economist, Maybank Investment Banking Group, gives an update on Malaysia’s fiscal reforms so far, with comments on the latest diesel subsidy cut.

Brian Lee, an economist at Maybank Securities, delves into Vietnam's robust economic performance despite inflationary pressures. He highlights the significant surge in exports and industrial output, particularly in the electronics sector, fueled by foreign direct investment. The discussion also covers the promising growth outlook for GDP, driven by a rebound in manufacturing and retail, notably supported by tourism. Additionally, Brian addresses the challenges facing textiles and seafood sectors and hints at potential interventions regarding the depreciation of the Vietnamese dong.

While year-to-date SET is down almost 5%, Chak Reungsinpinya, Head of Equity Research Thailand, Maybank Investment Banking Group, maintains year-end index target of 1,600 – a 17% upside from the index current level. He shares his note of confidence.

Despite interventions, the JPY remains under pressure against the US dollar. What more can be done to strengthen the JPY and what’s the impact of a weak JPY on regional currencies? Saktiandi Supaat, Head of FX Strategy, Maybank, explains why recent interventions haven’t worked their magic and what’s on the road ahead for the JPY.

With accelerated industrial production growth and at the same time, a fizzling of consumer spending, what lies ahead for the Asian dragon? As well, will introducing new property measures lift the sector? Erica Tay, economist at Maybank IBG, explains.

Maybank Securities’ analyst Hussaini Saifee says the merger could be a potential catalyst for growth for the telco sector in Singapore. He also gives his read on the earnings results from SEA and Grab.

Chua Hak Bin, Regional Co-Head for Macro, Maybank Investment Banking Group, discusses how the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone will spur growth for both Johor and Singapore in areas such as connectivity, trade, labour, investments, and renewable energy transition.

Anand Pathmakanthan, Head of Regional Equity Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group, rounds up ASEAN equities’ performance over the past four months, giving a forecast on the key markets and stocks to watch, going deeper into 2024.

The Fed left rates unchanged as widely expected, with chair Powell saying they need more confidence that the economy is on track and to meet the 2% inflation target. Suhaimi Ilias, Maybank Group Chief Economist, shares his takeaway from last week’s FOMC meeting.