Malaysia is scheduled to release a raft of data on Thursday, highlighting a modest day for Asian economic activity. On tap are July figures for Imports, exports and trade balance, as well as the central bank's latest decision on interest rates.
Imports are expected to rise 18.6 percent on year after surging an annual 30.1 percent in June. Exports are forecast to climb 11.5 percent on year following the 17.2 percent annual increase in the previous month. The trade balance is expected to show a surplus of $6.1 billion following the $6.04 billion surplus a month earlier. Finally, the central bank is widely expected to keep rates on hold at the current level of 2.75 percent.
Singapore is set to provide August numbers for its electronics and manufacturing PMIs. The electronics reading is forecast to come in at 52.8, down from 55.7 in July. The manufacturing reading is expected to show 51.3, down from 52.2 in the previous month.
Also, Japan will release August data for its monetary base, which was up an annual 6.1 percent in July.
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June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.