KUALA LUMPUR: Moody's expects the near-term growth outlook in the Asian region to improve as industrial activity and exports show signs of stabilisation. "Although GDP in some Asian economies, such as Mongolia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea have fallen short of Moody's previous forecasts, the near-term growth outlook in the region will improve,"said Moody's Investors Service. Asia will remain among the fastest-growing regions globally in 2017, but challenges could weigh on credit conditions for Asian debt issuers, it warned. Non-financial corporates in Asia, stabilising economic growth and a mild recovery in global commodity prices will support revenues and cash flow for many sectors. Moody's holds negative outlooks on six of 16 banking systems in Asia Pacific.

Source: New Strait Times February 08, 2017 04:42 UTC