Bangkok Post – All eyes on global monetary policy

The global economic and investment picture at the beginning of 2024 appears to offer a different outlook than in 2023. Every market seems to be more volatile, notably Hong Kong, South Korea, China, Singapore, Thailand, and even the US and Europe.

One reason is the market has begun to adjust its expectations for the economic direction and monetary policy. In the US, key indicators show the economy to be performing better than expected. US GDP expanded 3.3% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2023.

The growth contribution includes consumer spending, which increased 2.8%, and a 3.3% gain in government spending, mainly by states and local governments, as part of the Biden administration’s Build Back Better measures.

In addition, private investment grew at 2.1%, with technological equipment and related intellectual property a key driver, while exports…