Economic Update
Local
2Q24 Malaysia Gross Domestic Product - Robust Economic Growth
Mon, 19-Aug-2024 08:39 am
by Kenneth Leong • Apex Research

Summary

  • Malaysia’s GDP growth accelerated to +5.9% yoy in 2Q24 (1Q24 at +4.2 yoy), and came above advanced estimate of +5.8% yoy. For 1H24, the economy expanded +5.1% (1H23 at +4.1% yoy), which largely on track to meet the Government projection of +4.0%-5.0% for 2024 and surpassed our initial forecast of +4.1% yoy for end-2024.

  • We expect Malaysia’s Real GDP growth to remain steadfast in 2H24 to end at +5.2% in 2024 vs. 3.6% in 2023, supported by (i) stronger domestic spending, (ii) stability and gradual improving labour market conditions, (iii) progressive income growth, (iv) execution of multi-year projects from approved investments, (v) resumption of global technology upcycle and (vi) recovery in tourism spending. End 2025 target kept unchanged at +4.6% yoy. 

  • Headline and core inflation is projected to inch higher to +2.6% yoy and +2.5% yoy in 2024, which is in line with BNM’s projection of 2.0%-3.5% and 2.0%-3.0% respectively, impacted by the implementation of the diesel subsidy rationalisation and hike of the SST to 8.0%.

  • With expectations that BNM will maintain OPR at 3.0%, our 2024 year-end projection for USD/MYR is between 4.20-4.30, supported by the prospects of US interest rate cut(s) and steady economic improvements from structural reforms on the domestic front.

Sentiment: Positive
Read more details in:

Disclaimer

The report is for internal and private circulation only and shall not be reproduced either in part or otherwise without the prior written consent of Apex Securities Berhad. The opinions and information contained herein are based on available data believed to be reliable. It is not to be construed as an offer, invitation or solicitation to buy or sell the securities covered by this report.

Opinions, estimates and projections in this report constitute the current judgment of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Apex Securities Berhad and are subject to change without notice. Apex Securities Berhad has no obligation to update, modify or amend this report or to otherwise notify a reader thereof in the event that any matter stated herein, or any opinion, projection, forecast or estimate set forth herein, changes or subsequently becomes inaccurate.

Apex Securities Berhad does not warrant the accuracy of anything stated herein in any manner whatsoever and no reliance upon such statement by anyone shall give rise to any claim whatsoever against Apex Securities Berhad. Apex Securities Berhad may from time to time have an interest in the company mentioned by this report. This report may not be reproduced, copied or circulated without the prior written approval of Apex Securities Berhad.

Market Mover
Settlement Rates
Currency Buy Rates (RM) Sell Rates (RM)
USD 4.455268 4.488135
EUR 4.716585 4.723137
CNY 0.616518 0.616862
HKD 0.572409 0.576643
SGD 3.318330 3.343262