(July 23): Singapore’s core inflation decelerated more than expected in June, allowing the central bank room to focus on shielding the trade-reliant economy from global shocks.

Core prices, which exclude private transport and accommodation costs, came in at 2.9% in June from a year ago, according to a statement from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry on Tuesday. The reading — a level last seen in March 2022 — was slower than the 3% median estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists.

All-item inflation slowed to 2.4% after printing 3.1% in May. The deceleration was driven by softer gains in private transport and healthcare costs. On a month-on-month basis, the headline measure fell 0.2% from a 0.7% increase in the prior month.

Slowing price gains give policymakers the room to keep monetary settings conducive to supporting economic growth amid rising geopolitical tensions. The MAS, which is due to review monetary policy on July 26, is likely to stand pat for a fifth straight meeting — keeping the local dollar on an appreciating path — in a stance that will help blunt imported inflation.

The authority projected core inflation to average 2.5%–3.5% this year. It will provide an updated forecast for the all-item inflation rate along with its quarterly decision on Friday.

Uploaded by Arion Yeow