Indonesia's Benchmark Stock Index Fails to Join Rising Asian Indices
Indonesia's main stock index (IHSG) started rather well on Thursday's trading day (05/09) despite the fact that most analysts expected a weakening index. Positive market sentiments were triggered by rising Asian stock indices (brought on by yesterday's rising indices on Wall Street). However, as the rupiah continued its downward spiral, market players began to exit the market, thus resulting in the 0.55 percent fall of the IHSG to 4,050.86. Foreign investors were net sellers of Indonesian assets, while domestic players recorded a net purchase.
Today, the Indonesian rupiah was victim of the beige book (an update on current economic conditions published by the Federal Reserve Board ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee meeting), which mentioned positive figures and thus gave rise to increased concerns that the Federal Reserve may end its quantitative easing program soon. On the other hand, market players are also waiting for the meetings of the Bank of Japan and European Central Bank before doing any significant transactions on the Indonesia stock exchange (IDX). In both meetings the continuation of low interest rates will be on the agenda.
| Source: Bank IndonesiaThe beige book indicated that consumption in the United States increased in July and August (particularly domestic car sales), and that the country's industrial and services sectors improved. As such, the beige book had a positive impact on Asian indices. Investors were content to see signs of a recovering American economy. Moreover, the Bank of Japan announced to increase the monetary base by USD $702 billion per year. Both developments caused rising Asian stock indices, including the main index of India. Indonesia's IHSG, however, being the notable exception.
Other data that investors are eagerly awaiting for include ADP employment change, initial jobless claims, non-farm productivity, and factory orders. Good results will make sure that Wall Street stays in the green zone, even though it may mean an end to QE3. Good figures are also hoped to offset any negative influence from the looming military actions against Syria.
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