Asia's Light Economic Calendar Amid Global Focus
This week, Asia's economic data and policy calendar is relatively light. This allows investors to concentrate on the global banking crisis and its implications for growth, markets, and policies.
The Growing Concerns of a Banking 'Crisis'
Recent events have some calling the situation a 'crisis.' Two of America's top 25 banks have collapsed, Credit Suisse has been taken over, and concerns about Deutsche Bank are increasing. The Fed has also intervened with emergency measures and financial backstops worth hundreds of billions of dollars.
Warnings on Deteriorating Credit Conditions
Despite quick and decisive actions from U.S. and Swiss authorities, fears over worsening credit conditions are rising. Fed and European Central Bank officials, have raised concerns, echoing the private sector's warnings last week.
Subtitle: Asia's Exposure to the Global Banking Turmoil
Asia will not be spared from the impact of the global banking crisis. Regional economies will face pressure if safe-haven buying and rising dollar demand push up the dollar. Weakening domestic exchange rates can lead to central banks being forced to make difficult policy decisions.
Potential Changes in Currency Market Volatility
Currency market volatility has remained relatively stable since the banking crisis began. However, this may soon change.
Stock Market Performance amid Banking Crisis
While bank stocks have fallen, other sectors, such as tech and cryptocurrencies, have shown resilience. The Nasdaq has continued rising, and Bitcoin has surged 35% since the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. However, it remains to be seen how long this trend can continue.
Can Central Banks Achieve a Soft Landing?
It's still being determined whether the Fed and other central banks can promote financial stability and address inflation without further disruptions in the financial system.
Upcoming Asian Economic Data Points
Key Asian data points for the week include trade figures from Hong Kong and Thailand, Vietnamese GDP, a Thai interest rate decision, Japanese retail sales and unemployment, and preliminary March PMIs from across the continent, including China.
