- Singapore dollar (SGD) falls after losses last week
- The central bank left rates unchanged
- US Dollar (USD) rises against major peers to a 2-month high
- Fed is expected to cut rates more slowly
The US Dollar Singapore dollar (USD/SGD) exchange rate is rising, adding to gains from last week. The pair rose 0.02% lower in the previous week, settling on Friday at 1.3048. At 15:00 UTC, USD/SGD trades +0.11% at 1.3063 and is in a range of 1.3047 and 1.3091.
The Singapore dollar is falling against the US dollar after the Singapore central bank left its monetary policy unchanged, in line with expectations. Meanwhile, data also showed that the economy picked up in the third quarter, although the central bank is still expected to start cutting interest rates next year.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore said it will maintain its exchange rate-based policy band, known as the nominal effect exchange rate (S$NEER).
In its policy statement, the central bank said that the risks to Singapore’s inflation outlook were more balanced than three months ago.
Separately, the trade ministry showed GDP grew 4.1% unrealized in the third quarter, boosted by manufacturing, which accelerated from 2.9% in Q2, and also expressed optimism surrounding the outlook for the coming year.
The US Dollar is rising across the board. The US Dollar Index, which measures the greenback versus a basket of major currencies, trades at 103.14 at the time of writing, up 0.24%, extending gains from last week.
The US dollar is pushing higher on expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates more gradually. The dollar is also finding support from the fact that other central banks could cut interest rates by more than the US.
Data last week showed that US inflation was hotter than expected at 2.4% in September, down from 2.5% in August, but higher weekly jobless claims see the market still expecting a 25 basis point cut in November and December.
This week, the US economic calendar is quiet, with just retail sales due on Thursday and several Federal Reserve speakers across the week.