Singapore: Pick-up in inflation seen as transitory – UOB


Economist at UOB Group Barnabas Gan assesses the latest release of inflation figures in Singapore.

Key Quotes

“Similar to inflation trends seen across Asia, Singapore’s consumer prices accelerated further to +2.4% y/y (+0.8% m/m nsa) in May 2021. This is the fifth straight month where the inflation rate strengthened from the previous reading. The increase in consumer prices was slightly higher compared to market estimate of +2.2% y/y (+0.4% m/m nsa). Moreover, headline inflation grew at its fastest pace since November 2013 (+2.6% y/y, +0.7% m/m nsa).”

“Despite the increase in headline inflation to its multi-year high, core inflation as a measure of consumer prices excluding private road transport and accommodation was benign at +0.8% y/y.”

“As discussed above, the rise in consumer prices in May 2021 is partially due to low base effects in May 2020, where overall prices plummeted to their weakest pace since May 2016 at -0.8% y/y. Moreover, Singapore saw a persistent deflation environment in the period between April and November 2020, on the back of a relatively weaker economic environment and low oil prices then.”

“Official estimates kept headline inflation at a range between 0.5% and 1.5%, while core inflation is forecast at between 0.0% and 1.0% for 2021. On the back of higherthan-expected inflation against market estimates since February 2021, we upgrade our headline inflation outlook to average +1.4% in 2021, up from our previous call of +1.0%. We keep our core inflation outlook at an average of +1.0% for this year.”

Share: Feed news

Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.

If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.

FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.

The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.

Recommended content


Recommended content

Editors’ Picks

Gold gives away some gains, slips back to $2,980

Gold gives away some gains, slips back to $2,980

Gold retraced from its earlier all-time highs above the key $3,000 mark on Friday, finding a footing around $2,980 per troy ounce. Profit-taking, rising US yields, and a shift to a risk-on environment seem to be putting the brakes on further gains for the metal.

Gold News
EUR/USD remains firm and near the 1.0900 barrier

EUR/USD remains firm and near the 1.0900 barrier

EUR/USD is finding its footing and trading comfortably in positive territory as the week wraps up, shaking off two consecutive daily pullbacks and setting its sights back on the pivotal 1.0900 mark—and beyond.

EUR/USD News
GBP/USD remains depressed, treads water in the low-1.2900s

GBP/USD remains depressed, treads water in the low-1.2900s

GBP/USD is holding steady in consolidation territory after Friday’s opening bell on Wall Street, hovering in the low-1.2900 range. This resilience comes despite disappointing UK data and persistent selling pressure on the USD.

GBP/USD News
Crypto Today: BNB, OKB, BGB tokens rally as BTC, Shiba Inu and Chainlink lead market rebound

Crypto Today: BNB, OKB, BGB tokens rally as BTC, Shiba Inu and Chainlink lead market rebound

Cryptocurrencies sector rose by 0.13% in early European trading on Friday, adding $352 million in aggregate valuation. With BNB, OKB and BGB attracting demand amid intense market volatility, the exchange-based native tokens sector added $1.9 billion.

Read more
Week ahead – Central banks in focus amid trade war turmoil

Week ahead – Central banks in focus amid trade war turmoil

Fed decides on policy amid recession fears. Yen traders lock gaze on BoJ for hike signals. SNB seen cutting interest rates by another 25bps. BoE to stand pat after February’s dovish cut.

Read more
The Best brokers to trade EUR/USD

The Best brokers to trade EUR/USD

SPONSORED Discover the top brokers for trading EUR/USD in 2025. Our list features brokers with competitive spreads, fast execution, and powerful platforms. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, find the right partner to navigate the dynamic Forex market.

Read More

Forex MAJORS

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures

Best Brokers of 2025