RAM Ratings: Banking loans to grow 11pct, GDP to expand 5.6pct this year

KUALA LUMPUR: RAM Rating Services Bhd expects the banking loan base to expand a healthy 11% this year while gross impaired-loan ratio to remain stable at around 3%.
In its outlook report issued on Monday, March 21, it did express concern that the household segment warranted closer scrutiny.
As for interest rates, it expected the overnight policy rate to be increased by another 50 to 70 basis points while the statutory reserve requirement (SRR) would continue to rise.
To recap, it said the Malaysian economy rebounded from the global maelstrom through 2008/09 and the domestic banking system had a relatively easy passage last year.
“Having proven their mettle amid the world financial crisis, Malaysian banks today are better equipped to face potential shocks, increasing liberalisation and closer scrutiny by both the regulators and the public,” it said.
RAM Ratings said it expected a real GDP growth of 5.6% this year, following the 7.2% record in 2010.
“BNM is anticipated to continue on its policy path of further rates normalisation with objectives of sustaining growth and ensuring price stability, whilst keeping close tabs on liquidity management and the potential build-up of asset bubbles,” it said.
Following the aggregate 75 basis points increase in the overnight policy rate in 2010, the ratings agency expected the OPR to be lifted another 50 to 75 basis points this year.
As for the SRR, which would be raised to 2% from an all time low of 1% effective April, it expected Bank Negara to gradually move up the SRR to the pre-crisis level of 4%
Written by theedgemalaysia.com