2012.10.1619:33:00UTC+00Singapore Trade Balance On Tap For Wednesday

Singapore will on Wednesday release September figures for imports, exports and trade balance, highlighting a modest day for Asia-Pacific economic activity.

In August, imports were at SGD38.29 billion, while exports were at SGD41.75 billion for a trade surplus of SGD3.46 billion.

The central bank of Thailand will conclude its monetary policy meeting and then announce its decision on interest rates. Analysts are split on whether the bank will keep rates on hold at 3.00 percent or cut them by 25 basis points to 2.75 percent.

Malaysia will provide inflationary data for September, with analysts suggesting an increase of 0.2 percent on month and 1.4 percent on year - both unchanged from the August reading.

Japan will provide final September numbers for machine tool orders, with little change expected from the preliminary reading that called for a 3.0 percent annual contraction.

Australia will see the August results of the Westpac leading index; in July, the index was up 0.4 percent on month.