A 'Cool' 2008?

Mkt is cooling, and inflation is going up ... ... these are the outlook for 2008.

Advance estimates of GDP rose at 9.4% on yr-to-yr. But forecast for next yr's economic growth is set at 4-6%, in view of higher oil prices, volatility in financial mkts and inflation.

Inflation is now expected to be at 1.5-2% this year, up from the previous forecast of 0.5-1.5%. This is expected to climb to 3.5% in 1H08, and in the range of 2-3% for 2008.

* MAS-Oct Review , CNA-Growth , AsiaOne-Growth *