Most Asian stock indices opened lower on the first trading day of the week on persistent concern about China's economy. Chinese authorities announced that the country's official October manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) was 49.8 (a reading below 50.0 indicates contraction), unchanged from the preceding month and below analysts' consensus of 50.1. Concern about sluggish manufacturing in China caused falling stock indices. Japanese shares were affected the most.

Lanjut baca ›

Indonesian assets are leading declines in Asia's equity and currency markets on today's trading day after a 'hawkish' statement released by the Federal Reserve indicated that the US will not raise its Fed Fund Rate yet, but does seem to open a door to a December interest rate hike. Despite the good performance of US stocks on Wednesday (28/10), most Asian markets were down today. Moreover, solid factory output in Japan reduced chances of further stimulus measures in Japan (Japan's central bank is to meet this Friday).

Lanjut baca ›

Most Asian stock indices were in red territory on Tuesday (27/10) ahead of the Federal Reserve's two-day policy meeting (scheduled to start today) and following the sluggish performance of US and European stocks on Monday. Investors seem to engage in profit-taking after global equity markets hit a two-month high on China's interest rates cut, the European Central Bank (ECB)'s plan to add stimulus to boost inflation, and expectation of more stimulus from Japan's central bank as well as a delay in higher US interest rates.

Lanjut baca ›

With the exception of Japan, the majority of stock markets in Asia were under pressure on Wednesday (21/10) on concern about China's economic growth as Japan's exports to China fell 3.5 percent year-on-year in September. Today, it was announced that Japan posted a USD $95 billion trade deficit in September, worse than previously estimated, primarily on weakening exports due to slowing economic growth in China. However, Japanese stocks rose on stimulus hopes.

Lanjut baca ›

While most Asian stock indices were mixed, Indonesia’s benchmark Jakarta Composite Index rose 0.69 percent to 4,390.37 points on Monday (14/09) with foreign investors recording a net buy of IDR 91.2 billion (approx. USD $6.5 million). Meanwhile, ahead of a crucial Federal Reserve meeting, the Indonesian rupiah depreciated 0.08 percent to IDR 14,333 per US dollar according to the Bloomberg Dollar Index.

Lanjut baca ›

Indonesia telah membatalkan pengembangan jalur kereta berkecepatan tinggi antara Ibukota Jakarta dan Bandung (Jawa Barat) karena Presiden Joko Widodo memutuskan bahwa Indonesia tidak membutuhkan sebuah kereta yang bisa mencapai kecepatan lebih dari 300 kilometer (km) per jam untuk rute yang relatif singkat (150 km) di antara kedua kota. Selain jarak yang pendek, juga akan ada sekitar 14 stasiun yang didirikan di antara dua stasiun terminal, mengimplikasikan bahwa kereta ini perlu direm berkali-kali sebelum bisa mencapai kecepatan maksimumnya.

Lanjut baca ›

Menurut rumor terbaru, pemerintah Indonesia cenderung memilih Republik Rakyat Tiongkok (RRT) untuk mendirikan jalur kereta berkecepatan tinggi yang pertama di Indonesia yang akan menghubungkan Daerah Khusus Ibukota (DKI) Jakarta dan Bandung, ibukota Provinsi Jawa Barat. Selama beberapa minggu terakhir ‘pertarungan’ meningkat antara RRT dan Jepang mengenai pihak mana yang akan mendapatkan kontrak untuk mendirikan jalur kereta berkecepatan tinggi dan berprofil tinggi antara kedua kota (bernilai kira-kira 5 miliar dollar Amerika Serikat).

Lanjut baca ›

The Samurai (yen-denominated) bonds that are to be issued by the Indonesian government (through private placement) received a provisional rating of (P)Baa3 (stable outlook) from Moody’s Investors Service. Part of the Samurai bonds to be used by the government are without guarantees from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). It will be the first time for Indonesia to issue unguaranteed Samurai bonds since 1983 and thus the issuance serves as a test to measure Japanese investors’ confidence in Indonesian assets.

Lanjut baca ›

The Finance Ministry of Indonesia started to market multi-tranche Samurai (yen-denominated) bonds, partially without guarantees from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), a Japanese public financial institution. It will be the first time that Indonesia issues unguaranteed Samurai bonds and thus the result will inform how confident Japanese investors are in Indonesia’s debt markets. Previously, all Samurai bonds issued by the Indonesian government were guaranteed by JBIC.

Lanjut baca ›

Omset di industri makanan dan minuman olahan diprediksi akan bertumbuh 4-5% pada basis year-on-year (y/y) pada kuartal pertama di 2015 dari periode yang sama di tahun lalu. Adhi Lukman, Ketua Umum dari Gabungan Pengusaha Makanan dan Minuman Indonesia (GAPMMI), mengatakan bahwa faktor-faktor yang telah menghambat industri ini adalah penurunan subsidi bahan bakar, ekspor yang lambat, ketergantungan industri ini pada impor bahan mentah, melemahnya daya beli masyarakat karena rendahnya harga-harga komoditi, dan nilai tukar rupiah yang lemah.

Lanjut baca ›

Positifnya laju bursa saham Asia sepanjang sesi yang terimbas dari menghijaunya bursa saham AS dan Eropa di akhir pekan kemarin dan adanya spekulasi Pemerintah China akan melakukan reformasi ekonomi untuk menopang pertumbuhan negaranya dan berita positif dari tetapnya rating BBB- peringkat utang Indonesia oleh Fitch Rating memberikan angin segar pada IHSG pada hari Senin (18/11).

Lanjut baca ›

The Jakarta Composite index (Indonesia's benchmark stock index or IHSG) fell on Monday (11/11) amid mixed Asian markets. Not even positive finishes on Wall Street last Friday (08/11) were able to support the IHSG. Most investors seem to be waiting for results of Bank Indonesia's Board of Governor's Meeting which is scheduled for Tuesday (12/11). This meeting will provide answers about the central bank's view of the domestic economy and whether it thinks another adjustement of the BI rate is necessary.

Lanjut baca ›

Last week, the Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) weakened. The benchmark stock index of Indonesia was affected by negative market sentiments brought on by domestic factors. Most importantly, the large-scale demonstrations across Indonesia by Indonesian workers who demanded for higher minimum wages as annual inflation has surged since June 2013 after prices of subsidized fuels were raised. These demands, however, jeopardize the attractiveness of Indonesia's investment climate.

Lanjut baca ›

Anoop Singh, Director of the Asia and Pacific Department within the International Monetary Fund (IMF), conducted a media roundtable in Tokyo today (30/10) in which he outlined the IMF's view on the economy of Asia. Asia will remain the global growth leader, although the IMF has lowered growth forecasts. Both tighter global liquidity and homegrown structural impediments will weigh on growth, but for most economies a gradual pickup in exports to advanced economies and resilient domestic demand should help support growth.

Lanjut baca ›

Rising global stock indices at the end of last week continued to impact positively on Asian stock indices on Monday (21/10), including Indonesia's Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG). Moreover, speculation that the Federal Reserve will not alter its quantitative easing program until early next year also brought along positive market sentiments. This is expected to result in the inflow of US dollars into emerging markets. On Monday, the IHSG rose 0.70 percent to 4,578.18 despite continued foreign selling and rupiah depreciation.

Lanjut baca ›

Liberalization of trade and investment among the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members should be expanded and governments should refrain from using any protectionist measures. Meanwhile, the private sector plays an important role in the economic expansion of the Asia-Pacific and governments should create a conducive investment climate for this sector. This was the main message conveyed in the speech of John Kerry, US minister of foreign affairs who replaced Barack Obama at the APEC Leader Summit.

Lanjut baca ›

On this week's second day of trading (01/10), the benchmark stock index of Indonesia (IHSG) was able to post a 0.69 percent rise to 4,345.90 points despite ongoing concerns about the economic shutdown in the United States as discussions have not led to agreement about the country's debt ceiling. However, various data from Asia made a good impact. Indonesia's trade surplus in August and deflation in September contributed to positive market sentiments and provided a boost for the rupiah.

Lanjut baca ›

After China and India, Indonesia is currently the third most important investment destination for Japanese investments in the manufacturing sector. In 2011, Indonesia - Southeast Asia's largest economy - was still ranked number five on that list. However, in recent years the country managed to surpass Thailand and Vietnam. This fact indicates the important link between Indonesia and Japan. The chief executive officer of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), Hiroshi Watanabe, confirmed these findings.

Lanjut baca ›

Last week, Indonesia's benchmark stock index (IHSG) climbed 7.3 percent to end at 4,375.53 on Friday (13/09). This growth is remarkable as it remains unknown what the Federal Reserve will do with its quantitative easing program (QE3). The next Fed meeting - scheduled for 17-18 September - is expected to provide more clarity regarding this matter. Positive sentiments that lifted the IHSG were Indonesia's slightly increased foreign exchange reserves, its stable rupiah after another BI rate hike, and the Bilateral Swap Deals (BSA) with Japan and China.

Lanjut baca ›

Despite concerns that Indonesia's benchmark stock index (IHSG) would weaken on Thursday's trading day (12/09), the index ended 0.17 percent up to 4,356.61 points. Indices on Wall Street and in Asia impacted positively on the IHSG and kept foreign investors increasing their stock portfolios in Indonesia. Moreover, the Bank Indonesia's decision to raise the country's benchmark interest rate (BI rate) by 25 basis points to 7.25 percent was generally well-received by investors. Banking stocks helped to support the IHSG.

Lanjut baca ›