0920 GMT - Singapore's softer-than-expected January core CPI data paves the way for another potential monetary policy easing in April, says OCBC's Selena Ling in a note. The easing could take the form of another flattening of the policy slope, she writes. Ling notes that MAS expects imported inflation to remain moderate, driven by stable food commodity supplies and forecasts for lower global oil prices, she says. While trade frictions could escalate and spur inflation in economies like the U.S., their impact on Singapore's imported prices is likely to be offset by disinflationary pressures from weaker global demand, she adds. However, Ling highlights that the "elephant in the room" is the expanding range of U.S. tariffs threats against various trading partners.(amanda.lee@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 24, 2025 04:20 ET (09:20 GMT)

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