Standard & Poor's Revised Outlook Ushers in Indonesia's Traditional 'May Cycle'?
The Indonesia Stock Index (IHSG) fell victim to large profit taking on Thursday's trading day (02/05/13) after having set a new record yesterday. Market players are probably concerned about the 'May Cycle' which refers to the traditional fall of the IHSG in the month of May. But negative market sentiments were particularly brought on by Standard & Poor’s revised outlook on Indonesia’s BB+ rating from positive to stable. It triggered a 1.32 percent correction in Indonesia's stock index.
The IDR rupiah was slightly up as the Federal Reserve announced to continue its bond buying program (without altering the amount of USD $85 billion). However, the rupiah's gain was disturbed by S&P's decision to revise down Indonesia's BB+ rating to stable (from positive). According to S&P: “the outlook revision to stable reflects our assessment that the stalling of reform momentum and a weaker external profile have diminished the potential for a rating upgrade over the next 12 months.”
| Source: Bank IndonesiaSimilar to the IHSG, most other Asian stock indices also fell. Data that impacted negatively on the Asian indices included Australia's lower monthly Building Permits and lower Chinese HSBC Manufacturing PMI.
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