High IPI hints to firmer economy in Q4

Higher output: Workers manning production line at a glove factory. Manufacturing sector output rose 4.4 in December 2018 after expanding by 3.7 in November.

PETALING JAYA: The higher-than-expected industrial production growth in December 2018 hints at a stronger economic expansion for Malaysia in the fourth quarter of 2018, according to MIDF Research.

Led by stronger manufacturing sector performance, the country’s industrial production index (IPI) for December 2018 rose by 3.4%, beating a Bloomberg survey of 2.7%.