EM ASIA FX-Asia FX edges up as recession talk abates
* Thai baht slips after poor data
* Rupee set for best month of gains since Nov 2018
(Adds text, updates prices)
By Nikhil Nainan
March 26 (Reuters) - Most Asian currencies were in positive
territory on Tuesday but sentiment remained fragile as investors
reassessed risks to global economic growth, while the baht
slipped after poor data.
Global markets recoiled on Monday in the wake of an
inversion in the U.S. Treasury yield curve, which has signalled
a recession in the past.
The U.S. dollar rebounded modestly against the yen on
Tuesday as Treasury yields pulled back from 15-month
lows.
While regional currencies saw marginal gains, ING cited
several reasons for further optimism.
In a note, ING Chief Economist for Asia-Pacific Robert
Carnell cited a dollar off its highs for the year, the U.S.
Federal Reserve's dovish shift in policy, and the "moderately
positive" outlook for talks to end a U.S.-China trade war.
South Korea's won was the best performer, up 0.2
percent to 1,132 per dollar.
India's rupee strengthened to 68.815 per dollar, on
track for its best month of gains since November last year.
Mizuho Bank said in a note it expected India's current
account deficit for the fourth quarter due this week to decline
significantly, reflecting a sharp drop in crude oil prices since
late last year.
While a decline in the deficit could support the rupee,
Mizuho said oil prices have since bounced off their lows and are
trending upward, which would limit a sustained deficit
reduction.
Elsewhere, Indonesia's rupiah and the Philippine peso
gained 0.1 percent each.
BAHT GIVES UP MARGINAL GAINS AFTER DATA
The Thai baht weakened 0.2 percent to 31.63, after
factory output data for February unexpectedly dropped 1.6
percent, compared to a Reuters poll forecasting a 0.5 percent
rise.
The unit, which gained on Monday, was thrown into disarray
after two opposition parties alleged cheating in the country's
first election since a military coup in 2014.
The results remained unclear after the Election Commission
said the winners of the remaining 150 lower house seats may be
announced only on Friday, while a final announcement is expected
on May 9.
"Yesterday's inconclusive Thai election results are likely
to remain a focus while we await the apportioning of the 150
party seats," ING said.
CURRENCIES VS U.S. DOLLAR
Change on the day at 0441 GMT
Currency Latest bid Previous day Pct Move
Japan yen 110.080 109.95 -0.12
Sing dlr 1.349 1.3497 +0.02
Taiwan dlr 30.830 30.830 +0.00
Korean won 1132.000 1134.2 +0.19
Baht 31.630 31.58 -0.16
Peso 52.410 52.46 +0.10
Rupiah 14160.000 14175 +0.11
Rupee 68.815 68.93 +0.17
Ringgit 4.064 4.067 +0.07
Yuan 6.709 6.7090 0.00
Change so far in 2019
Currency Latest bid End 2018 Pct Move
Japan yen 110.080 109.56 -0.47
Sing dlr 1.349 1.3627 +0.99
Taiwan dlr 30.830 30.733 -0.31
Korean won 1132.000 1115.70 -1.44
Baht 31.630 32.55 +2.91
Peso 52.410 52.47 +0.11
Rupiah 14160.000 14375 +1.52
Rupee 68.815 69.77 +1.39
Ringgit 4.064 4.1300 +1.62
Yuan 6.709 6.8730 +2.44
(Reporting by Nikhil Kurian Nainan in Bengaluru; editing by
Darren Schuettler)
