Asian Insights

• The Macros Jr. Administration is in good standing after its first year: its economic agenda of fiscal consolidation, infrastructure spending, and liberalization strikes us as sound.
• Some positive political signs: Investigations into previous extrajudicial killings and a relaxation of restrictions on the media are encouraging.

Taking stock of monetary policy in asia

• Central banks in Asia have mostly called a pause to monetary tightening due to easing headline inflation, but sticky core inflation is a risk even as growth headwinds mount.
• Some central banks will continue to keep rates “higher for longer” to provide support for their respective currencies, or to minimize volatility in capital flows.