Malaysia’s economic momentum to continue growing

Malaysia’s economy remains on an upward track, with the country’s leading economic index still pointing towards a recovery path, said MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd. It said the latest figure recorded in May 2019 was mainly dragged down by an expected sales value of the manufacturing sector.

“Export-oriented and manufacturing-focused sectors are predicted to experience a slowdown due to thetrade war between the US-China and dispute between JapanSouth Korea. However, on a flip side, outlook for the second half of 2019 (2H19) is bright, underpinned by lower interest rates in developed and emerging economies, a gradual pick-up in commodity prices and firm domestic demand,” it said in a research note yesterday.

The research firm said the industrial production index (IPI) grew higher than expected.

“Malaysia’s IPI expanded steadily by four per cent year-onyear (yoy) in May 2019, outpacing market expectation of 3.5 per cent yoy,” it said.

MIDF said the growth is mainly a ributed by the continuous rebound in mining output and an expansion in manufacturing and electricity output. Mining output increased significantly by three per cent yoy, the fastest since Aug 2017, it added.

MIDF said the country’s labour market remained stable as the labour force grew at 1.9 per cent yoy in May 2019 – the weakest gain in 18 months. Similarly, employment growth was recorded at 1.8 per cent yoy, with monthly jobs added in the economy seen at 32,700.

“Meanwhile, the number of unemployment increased further by three per cent yoy, the highest since November 2016,” it said.

“Nevertheless, the labour market remains steady as the economy is expected to continue expanding at a steady pace in 2H19,” it said.

MIDF said the stable job market reflects full-employment condition, healthy development of Malaysia’s economy and provides solid support to domestic demand.

Meanwhile, externally, the US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) funds rate was lower by 25 basis points.

“The Fed reduced its key policy rate to 2.00-2.25 per cent during the Federal Open Market Commi ee meeting last week.

“The central bank views the US economy as expanding at a moderate pace, while global uncertainties remain as major downside risks. Cu ing the interest rate is expected to impact economic activities in the US, particularly household spending and business investment,” it said.

In addition, it may offset the uncertainties due to global trade tension. — Bernama