Asia FX: Fed repricing pressures regional currencies – MUFG

MUFG‘s Lloyd Chan notes that markets are reassessing Federal Reserve policy after Chair Warsh’s Jackson Hole speech, with higher US rate expectations lifting the Dollar and shifting focus to whether inflation remains sticky enough to warrant tightening. Chan highlights that recent Dollar weakness had supported Asia FX, but the new backdrop could challenge several regional currencies.

Jackson Hole shifts Asia FX narrative

“Markets start the week digesting a hawkish message from the Fed following Fed Chair Warsh's Jackson Hole speech. While stopping short of explicitly backing a September rate hike, Warsh stressed that inflation remains insufficiently contained, reaffirmed the Fed's commitment to its 2% target, and argued that current financial conditions are not restrictive.”

“For Asia FX, the key implication is that the market narrative has likely shifted toward whether inflation remains sticky enough to warrant policy tightening. While recent dollar weakness had provided support for Asia FX broadly, Friday's market reaction suggests that several regional currencies could face a tougher backdrop this week if front-end US yield increases prove persistent.”

“In contrast, SGD and MYR continue to look more resilient than implied by US rate differentials alone. Stronger external positions, healthier domestic fundamentals, and policy credibility should help cushion both currencies.”

“For Indonesia, higher US yields arrive as investors are increasingly monitoring domestic developments. Recent protests have highlighted concerns over living costs and jobs, while approval ratings for the government have softened. Although BI's currency-supportive stance has helped stabilize the rupiah, a further increase in Treasury yields could reduce support from portfolio inflows and place renewed upward pressure on USD/IDR.”

“The Philippine peso remains the region's weakest link. USD/PHP has moved to fresh record highs despite hawkish rhetoric from the BSP. Governor Remolona has signaled willingness to tighten policy further as inflation risks remain elevated, but markets continue to focus on the difficult balance between containing inflation and preserving growth.”

“Among ASEAN currencies, THB and IDR appear particularly exposed to the rise in US rate expectations. Thailand continues to offer limited yield support, while elevated Brent prices are weighing on the external balance. Last week's BoT meeting reinforced that policymakers remain comfortable maintaining a growth-supportive stance despite inflation risks. Meanwhile, recent policy measures to curb gold-related flows could reduce support for the baht.”