The Singapore market is set for another week of crucial data releases and investment opportunities. With ex-dividend dates, inflation figures, and industrial production updates on the horizon, investors must prepare for potential market shifts.
Additionally, pivotal economic indicators and global insights, such as the gross domestic production (GDP) data from the United Kingdom and United States, as well as China’s industrial profits data, could prove both enlightening and consequential.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of what to expect and how it might impact your investment strategies.
SGX Corporate Focus
Several foreign companies listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) have upcoming ex-dividend dates this week:
- Civmec Ltd (SGX:P9D), an Australia-based multidisciplinary construction and engineering services provider, has its ex-dividend date on Tuesday. Investors who hold Civmec’s shares on or before this date will be entitled to the declared dividend of AUD 0.025 per share.
- IHH Healthcare Bhd (SGX: Q0F), a Malaysia-based integrated healthcare provider, will pay out a dividend of MYR 0.055 per share. Shareholders who retain IHH’s shares until Tuesday will receive this dividend.
- Murata Manufacturing Co. Ltd (SGX:PJX) will disburse a dividend payment of JPY 25 per share for investors who hold its shares until Thursday. The Japanese company is primarily engaged in the development, manufacture, and sales of components such as capacitors, piezoelectric products, and electronic components of modules.
Remember to mark these dates to optimize your investment strategy.
Singapore Highlights
As the week unfolds, several key economic indicators will be released in Singapore.
- Consumer Price Index (CPI):
On Monday, we’ll see the release of the CPI Year-on-Year (CPI YoY) and CPI Not Seasonally Adjusted Month-on-Month (CPI NSA MoM). These indices measure the change in average prices over the past year and month, respectively.
Additionally, the CPI Core YoY, which excludes volatile components like food and energy, will provide a clearer view of underlying inflation trends.
These data points signal inflation and will likely prompt discussions on the need for adjustments in interest rates, as well as its impact on purchasing power and living costs.
- Industrial Production Growth:
Tuesday brings insights into Industrial Production, both YoY and MoM. These numbers help gauge changes in industrial output and reflect local economic activity and business confidence. A decline could signal an economic slowdown.
- Deposits and Balances of Residents Outside Singapore:
On Thursday, we’ll gain clarity on the financial flows related to residents’ deposits and balances held abroad. Large outflows may affect liquidity and currency stability, making this an important indicator to watch.
- Money Supply M1 and M2:
We’ll also receive updates on the YoY of Money Supply M1 and M2. M1 includes currency in circulation, demand deposits, and other liquid assets, while M2 adds savings deposits, time deposits, and other near-money assets to M1. Changes in money supply influence liquidity, credit availability, and overall economic growth.
Post-release of these data, it’s interesting to observe financial markets for sharp movements, indicating surprises or shifts in sentiment. Analysts will be guessing on Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)’s next move on policy setting, and businesses will assess investment decisions and consumer spending patterns.
China’s Economic Health
- Bloomberg March China Economic Survey:
Scheduled for Tuesday, this survey will provide insights into China’s overall economic well-being. Given Singapore’s strong ties with China, investors should pay attention to this survey.
- Industrial Profits:
On Wednesday, China will release its Year-to-Date (YTD) and YoY industrial profits data. China’s industrial profits have ripple effects on global supply chains and demand for raw materials, potentially impacting Singapore’s manufacturing sector and trade dynamics.
- Balance of Payments (BoP) Current Account Balance:
Expected on Friday, this data reflects China’s trade and investment position with the rest of the world. As a trade-dependent nation, Singapore closely monitors external balances, making this data point significant.
UK & US Economic Performance
- United Kingdom (UK):
On Thursday, the UK will release its GDP YoY, Private Consumption Quarter-on-Quarter (QoQ) and Government Spending QoQ which provide insights into the UK’s economic health, consumption patterns, and fiscal policies. Changes in UK economic performance may have implications for Singapore’s exports and overall economic outlook.
Additionally, the European Central Bank Governing Council member François Villeroy de Galhau will share insights on Friday into monetary policy decisions and the economic outlook. Investors should pay close attention to any hints related to interest rates or quantitative easing, as these factors can impact global capital flows and currency markets.
- United States (US):
On Thursday, the US will release several key indicators, among which includes its GDP Annualized QoQ, Personal Consumption, GDP Price Index, University of Michigan Expectations,1-Year and 5-10 Year Inflation. These indicators impact investor sentiment and consumer behavior. Changes in US economic growth, inflation expectations, and consumer confidence may resonate through Singapore’s export economy.
Other Markets
- Australia CPI YoY and Consumer Inflation Expectation:
These data to be revealed gauges consumer expectations and economic sentiment in Australia.
- Bloomberg March India Economic Survey:
This survey will provide insights into India’s overall economic well-being.
Singapore should watch for theses, as sentiment and expectations in Australia, as well as developments in India’s economy may affect bilateral trade and investment.
- Japan Foreign Buying of Stocks and Bonds:
These data reflect cross-border investment flows between Japan and other countries.
Singapore, as a major financial hub, is sensitive to capital movements and therefore, the data is top watch for global financial markets and currency exchange rates.
- Japan’s inflation trends and industrial production data:
Japan will show its Tokyo CPI YoY, Japan Industrial Production YoY, and PPI Services YoY, providing insights on its inflation and economic health.
- Hong Kong’s Fiscal Health and Monetary Supply:
Hong Kong’s Budget Balance, YoY Money Supply M1, M2, and M3 data will be released on Thursday. These indicators track Hong Kong’s fiscal health and monetary policies.
- Hong Kong’s Trade Indicators:
On Tuesday, Hong Kong’s YoY Imports and Exports data will provide insights into global demand trends. Hong Kong’s Trade Balance will indicate potential currency fluctuations.
With numerous economic data releases and global insights in the week ahead, investors have a valuable opportunity to stay informed and adjust their strategies. By closely monitoring this data, investors can confidently navigate the market landscape. Remember, today’s informed decisions lead to prosperous outcomes tomorrow.
Disclaimer: ProsperUs Manager of Content Hailey Chung doesn’t own shares of any companies mentioned.
