Indonesia's Rupiah Gains on Trade Surplus and China Manufacturing Data
After five consecutive days of depreciation, the Indonesian rupiah exchange rate finally managed to strengthen against the US dollar. Bank Indonesia's Jakarta Interbank Spot Dollar Rate rose 0.26 percent to IDR 11,946 per US dollar on Monday (02/12). According to Bloomberg data, the rupiah rose 1.85 percent to IDR 11,744 as of 02:25:50 ET as market participants have reacted positively to Indonesian trade and inflation data that were released today: October showed a trade surplus, while in November inflation was kept at 0.12 percent.
Before Statistics Indonesia (BPS) released the positive domestic economic data, the IDR rupiah had already appreciated slightly against the US dollar as stronger-than-expected Chinese manufacturing data for November (China's Manufacturing PMI) remained at a 19-month high. Being one of Indonesia's largest export markets, an improvement in China's manufacturing is expected to support Indonesian exports to the world's second largest economy.
Indonesia's USD $42.2 million trade surplus in October 2013 managed to reduce pressure on the country's wide current account deficit. The current account deficit has been one of the major concerns of investors. The deficit was USD $8.4 billion in the third quarter of 2013 (equivalent to 3.8 percent of Indonesia's GDP), thus improving from the USD $9.8 billion deficit (4.4 percent of GDP) in the second quarter, but still at an alarmingly high level.
Indonesia Stock Exchange
Indonesia's benchmark stock index (IHSG) rose 1.24 percent to 4,432.59 points after the first trading session on Monday (02/12). All sectorial indices posted a gain, led by the property sector. Investors are content with Indonesia's November 2013 inflation figure and October 2013 trade data as well as the appreciating rupiah exchange rate.
Further Reading:
• Analysis of the Indonesian Rupiah Exchange Rate in November 2013
• Rupiah Exchange Rate
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