Headline inflation increased to 2.9% in October

• Headline inflation increased to 2.9% (September: 2.2%) mainly due to the lapse in the 3-month electricity bill discount under Pakej Perlindungan Rakyat dan Pemulihan Ekonomi (PEMULIH). The lapse in the electricity discount contributed 0.6 ppt to headline inflation.
• Underlying inflation, as measured by core inflation, was also marginally higher at 0.7% (September: 0.6%) due to the gradual reopening of the economy.

Strong export growth in October

• Exports grew by 25.5% (September: 24.7%), reflecting continued strength in demand across Malaysia’s export products and markets.
• Moving forward, export performance will continue to benefit from the upcycle in global technology. In addition, strong demand for non-E&E manufactured products and higher commodity prices will provide further impetus to export growth.
• Nonetheless, the trade outlook remains contingent on the path of the pandemic, as well as the ongoing development of global supply chain disruptions.

Higher growth in net financing

• Growth in net financing increased slightly to 4.0% (September: 3.9%). This reflected higher growth in outstanding loans (October: 3.3%; September: 2.9%), amid moderation in outstanding corporate bond growth (October: 5.9%; September: 6.5%).
• Outstanding household loan growth increased to 3.7% (September: 3.2%), amid higher loan disbursements across all purposes.
• For businesses, outstanding loan growth (October: 3.1%; September: 2.3%) continued to be supported by higher growth in working capital loans (October: 5.9%; September: 4.5%), which remained above its historical average.

Domestic financial markets were supported by a more positive growth outlook

• In October, global investor sentiments were driven by increased expectations for the US Federal Reserve to begin tapering its asset purchase programme by the end-2021. Consequently, global bond yields, including the benchmark 10-year MGS yield, rose in tandem with the increase in long-term US Treasury yields.
• Domestically, investor sentiments were supported by optimism over the domestic growth outlook following the easing of interstate and international travel restrictions from 11 October 2021 onwards.
• As a result, the FBM KLCI increased by 1.6% and the ringgit appreciated by 1.1% against the US dollar. Higher commodity prices had also provided further support to the ringgit exchange rate.

Sufficient liquidity in the banking system supported by sustained growth in deposits

• Banking system funding and liquidity positions remained supportive of intermediation activity.
• As of end October 2021, the banking system liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) remained strong (October: 153.3%; September: 154.4%).
• Loan-to-fund and the loan-to-fund-and-equity ratios also remained stable at 81.6% and 71.1%, respectively.

Banks asset quality remained sound

• Overall gross impaired loans ratio declined marginally to 1.5% (September: 1.6%), driven by the household segment. Banks continue to support viable borrowers facing temporary financial difficulties through repayment assistance packages.
• Banks continue to be prudent in loan loss provisioning. Total provisions set aside against potential credit losses stands at 1.9% of total banking system loans.

See also:

Press release [PDF]