ADB trims growth forecasts for developing Asia, says cheaper oil good for most

The Asian Development Bank slightly trimmed its growth forecast for developing Asia for this year and next, but said sliding prices for oil should help economies in the region push through with growth reforms. In its update to the 2014 outlook, ADB said on Wednesday developing Asia was now expected to grow 6.1 percent this year, a tad below its 6.2 percent forecast in September. Growth in 2015 was seen at 6.2 percent, from 6.4 percent previously.
"While growth in the first three quarters of this year was somewhat softer than we had expected, declining oil prices may mean an upside surprise in 2015 as most economies are oil importers," said ADB Chief Economist Shang-Jin Wei. The ADB cut its 2014 and 2015 growth forecasts for China to 7.4 percent and 7.2 percent, respectively, from the 7.5 percent and 7.4 percent estimates made in September, due to falling property prices and the spillover effects on the construction sector.
Reforms brought by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will help his country grow 5.5 percent this year and, if they are extended, should lift growth to 6.3 percent next year, the ADB said. Southeast Asia is expected to grow slower than previously thought in 2014 and 2015 due to a slackening in economies in the region. The region is seen growing at 4.4 percent in 2014, down from a previous estimate of 4.6 percent, and 5.1 percent in 2015 instead of 5.3 percent.
"Falling global oil prices present a golden opportunity for importers like Indonesia and India to reform their costly fuel subsidy programs," Wei said. "On the other hand, oil exporters can seize the opportunity to develop their manufacturing sectors as low commodity prices tend to make their real exchange rates more competitive." Since June, Brent crude has fallen 49 percent to below $60 a barrel, which means big savings for Southeast Asia's large oil-importing economies - Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia. Inflation in the region in 2014 is now forecast to be lower at 3.2 percent in 2014 and 3.5 percent in 2015, compared to the 3.4 percent and 3.7 percent seen in September.