The benchmark stock index of Indonesia (Jakarta Composite Index, or IHSG) may reach a new record high level this week after market favourite Joko Widodo - popularly known as Jokowi - was officially announced the winner of the 2014 presidential election by the General Elections Commission (KPU) on Tuesday (22/07). Not unimportantly, the final decision was not accompanied by any riots or social unrest Jakarta or other parts of the Archipelago, thus giving investors some more peace of mind regarding the stability of Indonesian assets.

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Geopolitical tensions between Israel and Palestine as well as the Malaysia Airlines Boeing that was shot down above eastern Ukraine territory yesterday (17/07) amid hostilities between Ukraine and pro-Russian separatists, have had a significant impact on global markets. Global stock indices have fallen, led by indices on Wall Street, while the US dollar and prices of gold and other precious metals appreciate as investors are in search of safe havens. The higher oil prices contribute to weaker emerging currencies.

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Exports of China in August 2013 surpassed expectations and provides hope that the world's second largest economy is resuming its admirable growth. Overseas shipments were reported to have grown 7.2 percent year-on-year, while analysts expected a 5.5 percent growth rate. In July, China's exports had already recorded a 5.1 percent growth compared to the same month in 2012. On the other hand, imports in China grew slower than had been forecast at 7 percent (YoY). The country's trade surplus reached over USD $28 billion.

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Indonesia's main stock index (IHSG) went up 0.46 percent to 4,602.81 on Friday (05/07). The index followed the general trend in Asia, where most stock indices rose. Of all 473 listed companies on the Indonesia stock exchange (IDX), 102 rose, 140 weakened, and 113 did not move. Foreign investors are still withdrawing their money from the IHSG. Today, foreigners recorded a net sale of IDR 260.7 billion (USD $26 million). Basic industry and consumption were the sectors that provided most support for the IHSG.

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Indonesia's main stock index (IHSG) took another large blow on Wednesday (03/07). The index fell 3.20 percent to 4,577.15 points as investors were worried after reading the revised outlook of the World Bank. The institution downgraded its forecast for economic growth in Indonesia in 2013 from 6.2 percent to 5.9 percent. Higher inflation, because of the recent subsidized fuel price hike, is expected to result in lower domestic consumption. The IDR rupiah posted a slight weakening to IDR 9,941.

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For the third day in a row, Indonesia's main stock index (IHSG) made a strong upward jump on Friday (28/06). Supported by strong American and European stock indices on the previous trading day, the IHSG rose 3.06 percent to 4,818.90 points. American and European indices mostly rose on Thursday (27/06) due to various positive macroeconomic data from the USA. These economic data translated into the good performance of the IHSG and other Asian stock indices on Friday. All sectoral indices of the IHSG were reported to have grown.

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