Singapore consumers' inflation expectations hit 5-year lows

According to a quarterly survey by SMU, consumers' one-year-ahead median inflation expectations fell to 2.63 per cent, its lowest level since September 2011. In the latest Singapore Index of Inflation Expectations (SInDEx) poll conducted in June, consumers shared their views on expectations of inflation-related variables over the medium term (one-year-ahead) to long term (five-year-ahead). SMU noted that compared to the historical median headline inflation expectations (since September 2011) average of 3.58 per cent and the more recent second quarter average of 2.89 per cent, the current one-year-ahead median headline inflation is significantly lower. However, unlike the overall headline inflation, the one-year-ahead median Singapore core inflation expectations (excluding accommodation and private road transportation related costs) inched up to 3 per cent in June from 2.91 per cent in March. This increase seems to be anchored or well-grounded in line with the policy guidance from the Monetary Authority of Singapore about slow increase in the core inflation expectations over 2016, said SMU.