Asean’s monetary policy responses in 2015

Filipino settlers work next to a Christmas tree at a government housing project as a Cebu Pacific Air aircraft flies over in Paranaque city, south of Manila. Analysts expect the Philippines to hike rates by 25 basis points in the first quarter next year. – EPA

AS the year comes to an end, economists covering the Asian emerging markets are starting to release their forecasts on growth together with the issues and challenges that lie ahead.

For Asean, the possibility of US policy-rate tightening, China’s growth trajectory and falling commodity prices are some of the factors that will determine the direction their central banks will take to support their economies.