They are not sochai. In fact they are very smart. In the sense that they know who matters the most to them

Contrary to most of us believe, "his" position is very secured. No one can touch him now. He actually sleeps very soundly at night. He has his grassroot firmly behind his back. Depending on the situation closer to GE14, he can choose to continue or pass the baton to his own people. He can "cross control" them just in case any one of them go against his will, one can replace the other. He already has this plan B. If he thinks the 2.6 issue fades away before 2018, then he will carry on with the desired plan A

Now all he needs to do is manage the "elders" and "foreign funds and credit agencies". Urban voters is the least of his worries. Tol will not affect them. Subsidies like petrol, rice, electricity etc can be reimburse through brim. Whereas GST increase will make the credit agencies happy

Looking at his position and what he can do, RM appreciation will be the by product

Some bankers define as govt linked institutions

I dont even to see.. this RM thingy really affecting me la..

Aussie is not appreciating against RM too much as compared to USD or GBP.
It is those sending kids to US and UK that headache the most if not hedging or bought the currency prior before hand.
Tuition fee suddenly cost nearly 30% more. 

I knew because years ago, I bought Aussie at Rm2.9x and 3.0x level before.
Last time it went as high as 3.1x to 3.20 level.

Look at the 10 year AUD/MYR chart. You are still below the highs between 2009-2013. RM strengthen only since 2013-2015. Aussie dollar is still relatively low compare to US$/SGD/RMB/GBP

Bersyukur 

Aussie fundamental actually is much weaker than RM.

Slow growth, low interest rate (potential being cut further), current account deficit, trade balance deficit.

Actually both countries are affected by commodity prices. Both currencies closely move in roughly same direction. Maybe affected by data such as the recent job creation numbers or political deveopment

I would prefer AUD to RM over long term. But because of the tax laws, investments other than own stay residence in Australia is putting me off

Yes, Sgd is one of most stable currency, but it gives almost no interest throughout.

I converted to SGD at about (about 2.50) on 2008 years ago, the interest rate was so low across, basically earn less than 2% over the 7 years period.

Today it becomes 3.05 + 2% = 3.11 worth

compared to 2.50 of RM that placed with average 3.x%  now compounded (total up about 23%) now roughly worth 3.08.

I merely gain much 0.03 by holding Sgd, over the 7 years period, unless one just converted last year at about 2.6~2.7 time, then different story.

Wow,... so many are confident abt the republic (me included, I believed I was one of the first to signal out in this forum of the everlasting strength of the SGD throughout the years). 

However, as in everything, will Sgp ever fall due to any reason,... and the SGD depreciates badly ?

ya, mal funds are desperately needed to keep in at 4.40 thereabout!

mgs yield still rising, closed at high 4.35% today:
http://www.bnm.gov.my/index.php?tpl=govtsecuritiesyield

bnm...

wow after so long 

I beg to differ for the period of the whole last week. The SGD has been WEAKENING against the MYR. Now contemplating heavily to convert into the SGD........

Even for the first hike, Fed seems like indecisive, so likely the second hike will be distance away, I don't see this Fed is a hawkish camp.

I was talking about the hike further down the road, aka "second hike".

I guess they will hike 0.25% in the coming meeting, but pause from there.

aud in for a fresh bashing?

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/201...holdings-expand

aud in for a fresh bashing?

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/201...holdings-expand

Could be because of this report after the RBA rate was held steady yesterday at 2.00%.

The following points were notable in the report :-

1) The economy can still expand in spite of lower investments in the mining sector.
2) Prospects for economic conditions have improved over recent years.

Media Release
Number 2015-23

Date 1 December 2015
Embargo For Immediate Release
Statement by Glenn Stevens, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision

At its meeting today, the Board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 2.0 per cent.

The global economy is expanding at a moderate pace, with some softening in conditions in the Asian region, continuing US growth and a recovery in Europe. Key commodity prices are much lower than a year ago, reflecting increased supply, including from Australia, as well as weaker demand. Australia's terms of trade are falling.

The Federal Reserve is expected to start increasing its policy rate over the period ahead, but some other major central banks are continuing to ease monetary policy. Volatility in financial markets has abated somewhat for the moment. While credit costs for some emerging market countries remain higher than a year ago, global financial conditions overall remain very accommodative.

In Australia, the available information suggests that moderate expansion in the economy continues in the face of a large decline in capital spending in the mining sector. While GDP growth has been somewhat below longer-term averages for some time, business surveys suggest a gradual improvement in conditions in non-mining sectors over the past year. This has been accompanied by stronger growth in employment and a steady rate of unemployment.

Inflation is low and should remain so, with the economy likely to have a degree of spare capacity for some time yet. Inflation is forecast to be consistent with the target over the next one to two years.

In such circumstances, monetary policy needs to be accommodative. Low interest rates are acting to support borrowing and spending. While the recent changes to some lending rates for housing will reduce this support slightly, overall conditions are still quite accommodative. Credit growth has increased a little over recent months, with credit provided by intermediaries to businesses picking up. Growth in lending to investors in the housing market has eased. Supervisory measures are helping to contain risks that may arise from the housing market.

The pace of growth in dwelling prices has moderated in Melbourne and Sydney over recent months and has remained mostly subdued in other cities. In other asset markets, prices for commercial property have been supported by lower long-term interest rates, while equity prices have moved in parallel with developments in global markets. The Australian dollar is adjusting to the significant declines in key commodity prices.

At today's meeting the Board again judged that the prospects for an improvement in economic conditions had firmed a little over recent months and that leaving the cash rate unchanged was appropriate. Members also observed that the outlook for inflation may afford scope for further easing of policy, should that be appropriate to lend support to demand. The Board will continue to assess the outlook, and hence whether the current stance of policy will most effectively foster sustainable growth and inflation consistent with the target.