A new year has dawned and with it, endless possibilities have arisen concerning Asia Pacific’s economic forecast. Will regional inflation decline at a steady pace this year? Is there any signification that consumer confidence will improve during the first quarter? Are producer prices higher or lower now than they were in recent months?
Has regional foreign trade strengthened or weakened lately? And, are there any signs that bank policy rates will be adjusted?
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In early November, Asia Pacific’s latest economic figures were released to the public just days after typhoon Son-Tinh struck the coasts of China, Vietnam, and the Philippines, leading to millions of dollars in damage. Prior to the release of the data, Asia Pacific was slowly recovering from two other devastating typhoons, Saola and Libra, which occurred this summer, as consumer prices had recently begun to drop, while employment was rising in some nations.
In late July, typhoon Saola landed on the shores of China, Taiwan, and the Philippines, injuring thousands of civilians and destroying hundreds of homes and businesses. 




