The weak core inflation data in Singapore for October prompted Barclays to lower its inflation expectations and brought forward the baseline assumption for the Monetary Authority of Singapore to start easing mmf policy from April to January. Economist Brian Tan stated that this will be a "difficult decision," largely dependent on whether the core inflation rate falls below 2% year-on-year by December. Singapore's overall inflation rate in October reached its lowest level since March 2021. If the core inflation rate proves to be more persistent than expected, the Monetary Authority of Singapore may wait until April to ease mmf policy. Barclays forecasts Singapore's core inflation rate at 2.7% for 2024, 1.5% for 2025, and 1.7% for 2026, down from previous forecasts of 2.8%, 1.8%, and 1.8% respectively.