APAC Economic Outlook

Varied Challenges, Diverse Prospects

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The heterogenous nature of the Asia-Pacific region will remain on show through 2024. Asia’s largest economies, China and Japan will continue struggling through the first half of 2024. China will be weighed down by underperforming domestic demand, with the correcting property market a particular drag. The Bank of Japan will take further moves away from its ultra-accommodative monetary policy stance, but Japan's growth in 2024 will be marginal at best.

Elsewhere, India is on track to be Asia-Pacific’s fastest growing economy in 2024, building on last year’s domestically-driven momentum. For others including Southeast Asia, the second half should provide relief as easier monetary policy settings, alongside improved exports, lift prospects. 

Webinar Topics:

  • Monetary policy will remain in focus as most central banks eye interest rate cuts around mid-year. China and Japan are the notable exceptions as those central banks manage their unique challenges.
  • Merchandise exports will pick up from the second half of 2024 as global demand is expected to turn a corner, while service exports continue to mend. 
  • Narrowing interest rate differentials with the US should see APAC currencies appreciate in the second half. The Japanese yen remains the big wildcard. 
  • Election season has arrived with approximately half the world’s population voting this year. We discuss the regional geopolitical implications. 
  • Most sectors are poised for an improved second half, though risks are weighted to the downside. In particular, the spillover effects of faltering growth in China, coupled with tight funding conditions, may deteriorate corporate credit quality, making early warning of risk a priority.

* We will conduct this webinar in English, and provide simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and Japanese.

  • Speakers keyboard_arrow_down
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    Steve Cochrane Chief APAC Economist Moody's Bio
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    Katrina Ell Head of Asia Economics Moody's Bio
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    Stefan Angrick Head of Japan and Frontier Market Economics Moody's Bio
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    Brenda Solis Analytics & Modeling Moody's Analytics Bio
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    Harry Murphy Cruise Head of China and Australia Economics Moody's Bio
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    Denise Cheok Assistant Director - Economist Moody's Bio