0433 GMT - Central bank action is in focus as markets look for clues about next year's policy paths. OCBC strategists suggest looking for a rate hold in Thailand and a cut in Indonesia, though it'll be a close call. A rate cut also appears to be a certainty at the FOMC meeting, with attention on the refreshed dot plot for guidance into Fed members' views on the rate-cut trajectory, OCBC says. September's dot plot indicated four cuts in 2025, but markets are now pricing in about two, the strategists note. If the dot plot signals two cuts or fewer, markets could view this as hawkish, potentially strengthening the USD. Three cuts would be seen as less hawkish and might provide some relief for Asean currencies, including the IDR, OCBC says. If the dot plot remains at four cuts, the bank anticipates a much softer USD. (fabiana.negrinochoa@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
December 17, 2024 23:33 ET (04:33 GMT)
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