Most analysts see MAS holding off on further easing in April

Singapore

SINGAPORE'S central bank is expected to maintain its stance of allowing the local dollar's appreciation in April, a Reuters poll showed on Wednesday, a marked change from expectations just a few weeks ago that it would ease policy again to ward off deflationary pressures.

Twelve out of 17 economists and currency analysts surveyed expect the Monetary Authority of Singapore to hold off from easing its exchange-rate based monetary policy at its semi-annual policy review expected around mid-April. The remaining five expect the central bank to ease policy by lowering the mid-point of the Singapore dollar's policy band.