Core inflation should end the year around 2% while near-term growth has been stronger than anticipated, the Monetary Authority of Singapore said in its twice-yearly macroeconomic review published Monday. MAS core inflation is expected to average around the mid-point of its 1.5-2.5% forecast range in 2025.
“The risks to Singapore’s inflation outlook are more balanced compared to three months ago,” MAS said in the report. “Significant uncertainty remains in the global economy and risks are, on balance, tilted towards lower global growth.”
MAS, which doesn’t have an explicit inflation target, left monetary settings on hold for a sixth consecutive review earlier this month, wary of stubborn price pressures. Indeed, data out last week showed Singapore’s core inflation remained elevated in September, driven by healthcare and education.
The review highlighted trade and geopolitical tensions as well as a slowing China among risks to Singapore’s economic outlook. It said that an index of trade policy uncertainty is currently at its highest level since early-2020.