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Pause after two proactive tightening moves
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) did not tighten its SGD policy a third time this year. The SGD NEER policy band’s slope, width, and mid-point were left unchanged at the October 14 review, following a “very slight” increase in the slope in July, which was less than the pace of the “slight increase” in April. Policymakers expect slightly elevated underlying price pressures in the near term, but see them easing more discernibly from the middle of 2027. Concurrently, economic growth in 3Q26 based on advance estimates was robust, but a steady expansion in the coming quarters would still result in a narrower positive output gap, capping underlying inflationary pressures.
We are tweaking our 2026 core and headline forecasts to 1.8% and 2.0%, respectively (from 2.0% and 2.2%), and our 2027 core and headline inflation forecasts to 1.8% (from 2.0%). We also raise our 2026 and 2027 real GDP growth forecasts to 5.7% and 3.5%, respectively (from 5.0% and 3.0%). We account for stronger-than-expected expansion in the first three quarters of 2026, and our expectations for normalised but firm and above-potential growth in the coming quarters.
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GENERAL DISCLOSURE/ DISCLAIMER (For Macroeconomics, Currencies, Interest Rates, Digital Assets or Commodities)[1]
The information herein is published by DBS Bank Ltd and/or DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (each and/or collectively, the “Company”). It is based on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the Company does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to its accuracy, completeness, timeliness or correctness for any particular purpose. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This research is prepared for general circulation. Any recommendation contained herein does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific addressee. The information herein is published for the information of addressees only and is not to be taken in substitution for the exercise of judgement by addressees, who should obtain separate legal or financial advice. The Company, or any of its related companies or any individuals connected with the group accepts no liability for any direct, special, indirect, consequential, incidental damages or any other loss or damages of any kind arising from any use of the information herein (including any error, omission or misstatement herein, negligent or otherwise) or further communication thereof, even if the Company or any other person has been advised of the possibility thereof. The information herein is not to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or to provide any investment advice or services. The Company and its associates, their directors, officers and/or employees may have positions or other interests in, and may effect transactions in securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform broking, investment banking and other banking or financial services for these companies. The information herein is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity that is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country, or other jurisdiction (including but not limited to citizens or residents of the United States of America) where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation. The information is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction (including but not limited to the United States of America) where such an offer or solicitation would be contrary to law or regulation.
[#for Distribution in Singapore] This report is distributed in Singapore by DBS Bank Ltd (Company Regn. No. 196800306E) which is Exempt Financial Advisers as defined in the Financial Advisers Act and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. DBS Bank Ltd may distribute reports produced by its respective foreign entities, affiliates or other foreign research houses pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Where the report is distributed in Singapore to a person who is not an Accredited Investor, Expert Investor or an Institutional Investor, DBS Bank Ltd accepts legal responsibility for the contents of the report to such persons only to the extent required by law. Singapore recipients should contact DBS Bank Ltd at 65-6878-8888 for matters arising from, or in connection with the report.
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DBS Bank Ltd., Hong Kong Branch, a company incorporated in Singapore with limited liability. 18th Floor, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong SAR.
DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability. 11th Floor, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong SAR.
[1] This disclaimer may not apply if the applicable assets fall within the definition of 'financial instruments' that are set out in Article 2(1) EU MAR (e.g. financial instruments that are traded on a regulated market, MTF or OTF, etc.). Section C of Annex I of MiFID2 specifies these 'financial instruments'.