Taiwan - Inflation unexpectedly slowed in December

Taiwan’s consumer price growth unexpectedly slowed in December for the first time in four months as the gain in food prices moderated. The consumer price index increased 1.25% from a year earlier, compared with a revised 1.52% climb in November, the statistics bureau said. The median estimate in a Bloomberg News survey of 12 economists was for a 1.75% gain. (Bloomberg)

India & Australia - Manufacturing growth slows

India’s manufacturing growth slowed to a three-month low in December. The purchasing managers’ index fell to 56.7 from 58.4 in November. Any data above 50 indicates expansion. The reading has exceeded 50 since April 2009, showing that consumption is holding up amid the monetary policy tightening. Merchandise exports rose 26.5% to USD18.9bn in November y-o-y while imports gained 11.2% to USD27.89bn. Meanwhile, Australian manufacturing contracted in December for a fourth month to 46.3 from 47.6 as higher borrowing costs curbed consumer spending. (Bloomberg)

Singapore - Economy rebounds after manufacturing surge

Singapore’s GDP rose an annualized 6.9% in the three months through 31 Dec. Manufacturing rose 28.2% y-o-y after gaining a revised 13.8% in the previous quarter. Services grew 8.8% y-o-y, after climbing a revised 10% in the third quarter. Construction shrank 1.2%, compared with a 7.1% increase last quarter. (Bloomberg)