• Economy eased to 4.5% in 2Q18

• Higher domestic demand was supported by private sector and public consumption

• Contraction in mining and agriculture sector led to slower GDP growth from production side

• Current account surplus narrowed to RM3.9bn in 2Q18

• Lower net inflow for FDI

• Downgrade of 2018 growth forecast

Malaysia’s economy continued to decelerate since 4Q17 as the GDP growth slowed to 4.5% yoy in 2Q18, following a 5.4% expansion in 1Q18. It was the slowest growth in seventh quarters (3Q16: 4.3%). The 2Q18 growth was slower because of supply disruptions in the mining sector and lower agriculture production. On the demand side, growth was dampened by lower public investment and net export growth. Nevertheless, the GDP growth in 2Q18 was strongly supported by private sector spending which expanded further by 7.5% (1Q18: 5.2%). Private consumption increased strongly by 8.0% (1Q18: 6.9%). Although public consumption expanded by 3.1% yoy after a small increase of 0.4% yoy in the preceding quarter, however, a significant decline in public investment contributed to a slower GDP growth in 2Q18. On the production side, the slower growth was affected by the contraction in mining sector as well as agriculture sector. Exports saw a slowdown from 3.7% yoy in 1Q18 to 2.0%. On a qoq seasonally adjusted basis, the economy rose by 0.3% (4Q17: 0.9%).

Source: BIMB Securities Research - 20 Aug 2018