Investing Updates: Singapore economy grows 6% year-on-year in Q1, above advance estimate

Source:

https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/singapore-economy-grows-6-year-year-q1-above-advance-estimate

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Singapore’s economy expanded by 6 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, exceeding the government’s earlier estimate of 4.6 per cent, according to official data released on May 25. On a seasonally adjusted quarter-on-quarter basis, gross domestic product (GDP) grew 1 per cent in the January-to-March period, reversing the advance estimate of a 0.3 per cent contraction and signalling stronger-than-expected momentum at the start of the year.

Despite the improved performance, Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry kept its full-year growth forecast unchanged at 2 to 4 per cent. However, the ministry warned that escalating conflict in the Middle East has sharply increased downside risks to the outlook. The geopolitical tensions have disrupted global growth and inflation expectations, while also creating uncertainty over the future path of interest rates worldwide.

As a highly trade-dependent economy, Singapore remains particularly exposed to external shocks such as supply chain disruptions, weaker global demand and volatile energy prices. Rising oil prices linked to the Iran conflict could also place additional pressure on businesses and consumers.

Investors and economists are now closely watching Singapore’s April inflation data, due later on Monday. In March, core inflation — which excludes accommodation and private transport costs — rose 1.7 per cent year-on-year, and analysts expect a similar reading for April.

The stronger inflation risks prompted Singapore’s central bank to tighten monetary policy last month after previously leaving policy unchanged during its January, October and July meetings. The Monetary Authority of Singapore had earlier eased policy in April 2025 to support economic growth.