With the weakening of high frequency data and a potential negative impact from the Bangkok explosion, market expectations of further policy rate cuts at the next MPC meeting on Sep 16 may heighten.
However, we believe conditions for a further monetary easing are NOT solid. First, the current financial and FX conditions become more conductive for the economic recovery.
Second fiscal impetus has significantly strengthened and it is anticipated to be more material on the back of the new stimulus package. Third, a further rate cut may spur an increase in FX and capital flow volatility. Therefore, we expect the policy rate will remain unchanged at 1.5% at the Sep meeting.