You are on page 1of 9

Produced by: ABN AMRO

Bank NV

Friday 6 June 2008

Local Markets Strategy - Asia Economics/Strategy

Vietnam: not the 1997 crisis redux


In 2007 when Vietnam was already overheating, a surge in capital
inflows led to a sharp acceleration in import growth and, together
with surging food prices, to a sharp acceleration in inflation. But
VND and USD liquidity has been tightened sharply , import growth is
already slowing and inflation is bound to follow suit over the next
few months. Onshore rates appear set to rise further which suggest Asia
going long the forward points. At the same time, a sovereign default
appears unlikely in the next year or so, and the economic
stabilization we expect will see sovereign risk fall, which suggests
selling the 5 yr CDS.

Investors concerns
Chart 1 : Headline inflation has Chart 2 : A strong acceleration in
accelerated on the back of food import growth suggests overheating
prices (CPI, %, Y/Y) (%, Y/Y)
90%
45.0%
80%
40.0%
70%
35.0% 60%
30.0% 50%
25.0% 40%
`
20.0% 30%
15.0% 20%

10.0% 10%

5.0% 0%
-10%
0.0%
Feb-06

Feb-07

Feb-08
Jun-05

Oct-05

Jun-06

Oct-06

Jun-07

Oct-07

Ju Ju Ju Ju Ju
n- n- n- n- n-
03 04 05 06 07

Imports Exports
Headline Food Non food CPI

Source: ABN AMRO Source: ABN AMRO

Recent inflation and external trade data has generated market concerns over the
possible consequences of overheating and led Moody’s, S&P and Fitch to place
Vietnam on negative outlook. Inflation has accelerated to 25.2% y/y in May 08,
from 7.3% in May 07. However, this reflects largely an increase in food prices:
food price inflation accelerated to 42.4% in May 08, against 9.2% in May 07 and
the weight of food and foodstuff in the CPI is .43 (.47 up to May 06). The non
food CPI accelerated by 7.4% in May 08, from 4.8% in May 07.

Overheating and loss of monetary control


But the acceleration in food price inflation explains only about 80% of the
acceleration in headline inflation over the past year, which suggests some spill-
overs from food to the broader price index. Vietnam’s economy is experiencing
resource pressures after years of fast growth: during 2003-07, Vietnam grew by
8% a year on average, the fastest growing economy in Asia after China and
India. And Vietnam’s current account deficit widened from nearly 0 to 10% of
GDP in 2007. Analyst
Dominique Dwor-Frecaut
Singapore
+65 6518 7382
domi.df@sg.abnamro.com
Important disclosures can be found in the Disclosures Appendix.
www.abnamroresearch.com

Level 21, One Raffles Quay, South Tower, Singapore 048583, Singapore
LO C A L M AR K E T S ST R AT E G Y - AS I A

But the fast pick up in inflation suggests monetary accommodation. M2 growth is


unlikely to have slowed from the 40% showed by the last available monetary survey
in June 07. A fairly stable ratio of M2 to reserve money up to mid-07 suggests M2
growth may have been driven by reserve money growth. Reserve money growth in
turn has been accelerating largely due to an acceleration in the growth of net
foreign assets: during 2007 Vietnam’s FX reserves increased by USD9.4 bn or 13%
of GDP.

Chart 3 : A rising ratio of NFA to reserve money Chart 4 : Nevertheless, reserve money growth has
suggests active sterilization been accelerating (% Y/Y)
1.3 100

1.2
80
1.1
60
1

0.9 40

0.8 20

0.7
0
0.6
-20
0.5

Mar-00

Sep-00

Mar-01

Sep-01

Mar-02

Sep-02

Mar-03

Sep-03

Mar-04

Sep-04

Mar-05

Sep-05

Mar-06

Sep-06

Mar-07
0.4
Mar-00

Sep-00

Mar-01

Sep-01

Mar-02

Sep-02

Mar-03

Sep-03

Mar-04

Sep-04

Mar-05

Sep-05

Mar-06

Sep-06

Mar-07

NFA growth reserve money growth

Source: ABN AMRO Source: ABN AMRO

At the same time, the ratio of net foreign assets to reserve money has increased
from about 0.6 in March 2003 to 1.2 in June 07 which suggests active sterilization
by the SBV (for a given level of FX reserves, sterilization substitutes MSBs to
reserve money). But with Vietnam’s highly open capital account, policy can either
control interest rate or the exchange rate but not both. The spot USD/VND rate
rose during Q1-Q3 07 and subsequently fell up to end-Q1 08. The acceleration of
inflation suggests VND flexibility has not been sufficient to limit the impact of the
capital inflows on money growth. With an open capital account and an overheating
economy, sterilization is likely to have pushed up onshore rates and brought in more
foreign inflows.

Overheating has also pushed up import growth, that accelerated to a peak at 85%
in April 08. By contrast, export growth has hovered around a trend of 25% y/y for
the past few years and even accelerated since Q3 07. With the sharp acceleration in
import growth, the trade deficit reached USD14.4 bn during January-May 2008,
against USD10.4 for the whole of 2007. The combination of strong export growth
and ballooning import growth suggests that, until recently, the sharp increase in the
trade deficit has reflected an intensification of overheating, rather than a loss of
competitiveness.

Policy tightening
Faced with what is likely to have been spiralling money growth (unfortunately no
data is available after June 07), policy makers have implemented a number of
measures to tighten liquidity and credit growth:

■ From December 06, restrictions on bank lending for equity investments

■ From June 07 onwards, increases in banks reserve requirements

■ in February and May 08, hikes in official interest rates: the refinancing rate now
stands at 13%, from 6.5% in January 2008

■ in March 08 compulsory purchases of SBV bonds by the banks

LO C A L M AR K E T S ST R AT E G Y - AS I A 6 JU N E 20 08
2
LO C A L M AR K E T S ST R AT E G Y - AS I A

Chart 6 : Government bonds have sold off sharply


Chart 5 : A spike in interbank rates
(1 yr bond yield)
20 20

18 18
16
16
14
14
12
12
10
10
8

6 8

4 6
2 4
0
2

Feb-08
Dec-07
May-07

Jun-07

Jul-07

Aug-07

Sep-07

Oct-07

Nov-07

Jan-08

Mar-08

Apr-08

May-08
0

Feb-07

Feb-08
Dec-06

Dec-07
Oct-06

Apr-07

Jun-07

Aug-07

Oct-07

Apr-08

Jun-08
1m interbank rate overnight interbank rate

Source: ABN AMRO Source: ABN AMRO

These liquidity measures have seen bank liquidity tighten sharply and a spike in the
inter-bank rate. Banks have scrambled to raise deposits, which saw the SBV initially
impose a cap on the deposits rates banks could offer. On May 19, SBV removed the
cap and announced banks were free to set their own lending and deposit rates
within 1.5 times of the base rate, to be announced monthly and raised to 12% from
8.75% in April. Banks however have continued to struggle with the high cost and
availability of funding. Many banks are charging their clients an administrative fee
above the controlled interest rate in order to maintain positive margins of
intermediation (see Reuters, Vietnam keeps 12 % base rate unchanged, 2 June
2008).

The tightening of bank liquidity has also led to a sharp fall in the equity index as
banks had lent large amounts to securities companies or had been directly funding
equity purchases. In addition, foreign portfolio inflows seem to have stopped (see
below). Equity market weakness has been further compounded by the uncertainty
on the economic outlook caused by the ongoing liquidity squeeze. The main equity
index is down to 400, from a peak at 1100 in October 2007.

In addition, the government is implementing a fiscal consolidation program. The


general government deficit was 7.5% of GDP in 2007, up from 3.9% of GDP on
average over the previous 5 years. According to the World Bank, the government
has postponed or cancelled public investment worth VND13 tn (1.1% of GDP).
Moody’s estimates that the government deficit is likely to shrink to 5.2% of GDP in
2008, which would help relieve demand pressures.

While policy tightening seems to have led to a VND liquidity crunch, USD liquidity
has also become very tight, as shown by a sharp increase in the forward premium.
This reflects the widening of the trade deficit mentioned above as well as:

■ Unmet demand for spot USD at the official exchange rate. The IMF classifies
Vietnam’s exchange rate regime as a de facto peg. Under the peg, the State
Bank of Vietnam (SBV) announces a daily reference rate, with a +/-2% band.
But there are signs that securing USD at the official exchange rate for current
and capital account transactions has become difficult.

■ A loss of confidence: caused by rising inflation and import growth, a steep fall in
the equity market, a liquidity crunch and the compounding of economic
uncertainty caused by a lack of availability of timely economic data, including FX
reserves.

LO C A L M AR K E T S ST R AT E G Y - AS I A 6 JU N E 20 08
3
LO C A L M AR K E T S ST R AT E G Y - AS I A

■ A fall in private transfers that represented USD6.2 bn in 2007 and have fuelled
consumption but also equity ad real estate investment. Because private
transfers are partly driven by an investment objective, they are likely to have
declined in line with financial markets.

■ A likely stop in short term capital inflows: in 2007, Vietnam’s capital account
was in surplus of USD18.8 bn or 26% of GDP, including FDI of USD6.6 bn, LT
loans of USD2 bn and portfolio flows of USD7.4 bn (10% of GDP). Most of that
investment seems to be in Vietnam still: Vietnam held USD23 bn in FX reserves
at end-07 and there is no information to suggest FX reserves have significantly
declined. Because of the shortage of USD, it seems foreign investors have not
repatriated their investments. Rather, it is very likely that inflows of short term
investments such as equities, bonds or bank deposits have ground to a halt. By
contrast, FDI inflows seem to be continuing briskly.

■ Hedging: with many investors unable to buy back USD and repatriate their
investments, many have sought to hedge their long VND position by shorting the
currency on the NDF market.

Chart 7 : The equity market has weakened sharply


The 1 m outright has spiked
(Vnindex)
1400 19500

19000 2600
1200
18500
2100
1000 18000
1600
17500
800
17000 1100

600 16500
600
16000
400 100
15500

200 15000 -400

Feb-08
Dec-07
May-07

Jun-07

Jul-07

Aug-07

Sep-07

Oct-07

Nov-07

Jan-08

Mar-08

Apr-08

May-08
0
Feb-06

Feb-07

Feb-08
Dec-05

Dec-06

Dec-07
Jun-05
Aug-05
Oct-05

Apr-06
Jun-06
Aug-06
Oct-06

Apr-07
Jun-07
Aug-07
Oct-07

Apr-08
Jun-08

1 m outright spot discount/premium (RHS)

Source: ABN AMRO Source: ABN AMRO

Inflation and external deficit to stabilize


The very sharp tightening of VND and USD liquidity suggest inflation and the trade
deficit are likely to stabilize. First, as mentioned above, the balance of payments
surplus is likely to have declined if not turned into a deficit, thereby reducing the
growth of net foreign assets that likely was the main source of money growth.

Second, while the base rate and the reported inter-bank rate are negative in real
terms, actual VND liquidity is much tighter than suggested by these rates as credit
generally does not seem available at the official lending rate ceiling. The SBV cap
on lending rates at 1.5 times the base rate or 18% has made it more profitable for
banks to invest in Treasury bonds with a 22 to 25% yield than to extend credit. The
larger banks that have been able to maintain their liquidity are generally not lending
to new customers and focusing on maintaining the quality of their loan book instead.

This suggests inflation is likely to slow within the next few months. So far this has
not happened likely due to the very fast food price inflation and the lags involved in
the transmission of tighter liquidity to the economy. But import growth has slowed
sharply in May: imports were down m/m and import growth fell to 48% y/y, from
85% y/y in April which is indicative of a slowdown in demand and money growth.
And while there have been reports of workers strikes and demand for higher wages
these are unlikely to be accommodated as long as bank liquidity remains tight.
Some banks have found it difficult to adjust to the tighter monetary conditions and
LO C A L M AR K E T S ST R AT E G Y - AS I A 6 JU N E 20 08
4
LO C A L M AR K E T S ST R AT E G Y - AS I A

have received liquidity injections from the SBV but these are the smaller private
banks. At this stage SBV liquidity injections appear unlikely to be on a scale with
macroeconomic consequences. (see Vietnam moves to help ease inflation, World
Bank says, 4 June 2008)

With the VND and USD liquidity crunch, the import growth slowdown is likely to
continue. A possible scenario for the 2008 balance of payments involves containing
the trade deficit to about USD19 bn and the current account deficit to about USD17
bn through import compression. The current account deficit could be funded by
capital account surplus of USD14 bn including FDI of USD8 bn and long term
borrowings of USD4 bn, as well as by a FX reserve draw down of USD5 bn (see
appendix: balance of payments projections). Greater capital inflows than assumed
in our scenario would allow Vietnam to fund a larger current account deficit, higher
imports and support a higher GDP growth rate.

Overall, the government growth forecast of 7% in 2008 (cut from initially 9%) may
be difficult to reach but past experience with import and credit growth slowdown
suggests GDP growth could remain close to 5%. The slowest GDP growth rate of
the past decade, 4.8% in 1999 was associated with import growth of 1% for the
year. By contrast, our balance of payments scenario assumes import growth for
the whole of 2008 would be capped at 35%. Similarly, over the past 10 years, the
slowest growth in domestic credit has been 17% in 1998, which was associated with
GDP growth of 6%. This compares with domestic credit growth of 50% in 2007, and
a government target of 30% for 2008.

An IMF program appears unlikely until Vietnam agrees to an independent audit of


the SBV balance sheet, a standard safeguard required by the IMF from all countries
that borrow from it (see Vietnam: 2003 Article IV consultation-Staff Report, IMF,
December 2003). In any event, it may not make much difference to the
macroeconomic and financial outlook. With or without an IMF program, Vietnam will
have to stabilize its economy i.e. reduce its overall growth rate. In addition,
Vietnam can borrow only a limited amount from the IMF, due to the small size of its
quota: the most Vietnam has been able to mobilize from the IMF was about USD0.5
bn in 1994, an amount dwarfed by private capital inflows. The main impact of an
IMF program would be on investors confidence, which could facilitate a resumption
of capital inflows, though a resumption of very large scale capital inflows may not
facilitate economic stabilization.

Risks
The main risks to our scenario are hard landing and banking crisis. Hard landing
could be caused by excessive liquidity tightening and misallocation of credit and FX.
Because tightening is taking place through a restriction of the quantity of VND and
USD liquidity available rather than through an increase in the price of USD and VND
credit, it may be difficult to calibrate. Gradualist policies would be easier to
implement if prices were allowed to adjust to their market clearing levels.

In addition, Vietnam’s ratio of investment to GDP is high at 39% and jumped by 5%


from 34% in 2006, which is indicative of inefficiencies and low productivity. Hence,
the negative impact on GDP growth of an investment growth slowdown could be
mitigated by greater investment efficiency. Greater investment efficiency in turn
would require that interest rates and USD/VND be allowed to adjust to their market
clearing level. For instance, credit rationing and preferential access of the state
sector to credit could impair overall economy wide rates of returns on investment.
Raising investment efficiency will eventually require the liberalization of banks
deposit and lending rates.

LO C A L M AR K E T S ST R AT E G Y - AS I A 6 JU N E 20 08
5
LO C A L M AR K E T S ST R AT E G Y - AS I A

Furthermore, a continued shortage of USD could lead to significant input and capital
goods shortages and eventually lower industrial output. FDI in Vietnam tends to
export labour intensive goods with a high import contents and could be severely
affected. In 2006, FDI were estimated to employ 1.1 mn workers and account for
17% of GDP (see Managing capital flows in Vietnam, ADB, May 08). This suggests
the USD shortage is likely to become politically unsustainable once shortages of
critical inputs and capital goods develop. Because the SBV appears unwilling to sell
its FX reserves to the market, the USD shortage is likely to be resolved through VND
depreciation.

The spot VND has been depreciating since end-March 08. Reaching a market
clearing level for the VND could take place either through a float, a step adjustment
(one took place on March26-27) or a pick up in the pace of depreciation. Either
way, faster VND depreciation would best take place after investor confidence has
been stabilized, for instance after several data releases showing inflation and import
growth slowing or as part of a comprehensive program of reforms. In addition, an
orderly depreciation of the VND would require higher onshore interest rates. Hence
we expect that by end-08, the spot USD/VND rate will rise to about 17,900 and the
base rate will be hiked to 20% from currently 12%.

A sovereign default appears unlikely within the next few years. Vietnam’s general
government debt represented 36% of GDP in 2007 and while two third is in FX,
about 90% of government FX debt is on concessional terms. The IMF expects only a
increase in the ratio of government debt to GDP to a peak at 43% of GDP in 2009 in
a base case scenario involving continued fiscal consolidation and fast growth.

The risk to Vietnam’s public finances comes perhaps more from the banking system
than from direct public sector spending. Vietnam is over banked with 5 state banks
sharing 55% of banking credit, 34 domestic private banks sharing 29% of banking
credits and 36 foreign private and joint venture banks sharing 9% of total banking
credits. The government is aware that consolidation is unavoidable and the plan is
for the larger banks to eventually take over smaller, non performing institutions. In
addition, banks capital adequacy has improved in recent years and NPLs at state
owned banks fell to 3.2% of assets in 2006. Furthermore at mid-07, foreign
currency deposits net of banks foreign assets represented 19% of total deposits,
down from 23% in March 05 and from a peak at 30% in December 1997.

Based on global accounting standards Vietnamese banks may not be as strong as


suggested by this data. For instance, Moodys estimates actual NPLs could be as
much as 10 to 15% of assets. However, the example of Japan shows that banks
with a low capital base can continue to operate for quite some time as long as they
remain liquid. At this stage, Vietnamese policy makers seem able to prevent the
VND liquidity crunch from destabilizing the banking system. In addition, the hike we
expect in VND interest rates does not suggest increased dollarization. While there
are weaknesses in Vietnam’s financial sector that reflect the country low level of
income per capita and the transition from central planning to a market based
economy, there is no compelling evidence that a systemic crisis is likely over the
next 18 months.

Not the 1997 crisis redux


Vietnam does not appear to be on the brink of a 1997 type crisis. While Vietnam’s
monetary policy faces a dilemma similar to that of for instance Thailand in 1997,
risk management appears stronger in Vietnam now than in Thailand in 1997.

Sterilized intervention in Vietnam does not seem to have worked due to overheating
and an open capital account. With a large excess of savings over investment (the
current account deficit represented 10% of GDP in 1997), it is likely that sterilization

LO C A L M AR K E T S ST R AT E G Y - AS I A 6 JU N E 20 08
6
LO C A L M AR K E T S ST R AT E G Y - AS I A

operations put pressure on onshore rates and attracted even more inflows. In
2007, inflows of currency and deposits represented USD2.6 bn, against a net
outflow of USD1.5 bn in 2006 and the capital account surplus represented 26% of
GDP. Similarly, in Thailand the 1996 current account deficit was 8.1% of GDP in
1996 but the capital account was in surplus of 10.7% of GDP. The BoT sterilization
operations proved self-defeating because they actually raised onshore interest rates
and foreign inflows. In both 2007 Vietnam and 1997 Thailand, an attempt to control
both interest rates and the exchange rate led to a loss of monetary control.

By contrast, sterilized large scale intervention has proven much more sustainable
than expected in Asia in the aftermath of the 1997 crisis as private investment
collapsed. Large current account surpluses i.e. excesses of savings over investment
allowed Asian central bank to sterilize their FX purchases without putting pressure
on onshore rates. During 2000-07 Asian countries, including China, were able to
accumulate USD2.5 tn worth of FX reserves while maintaining monetary conditions
consistent with price stability (see The effectiveness of foreign exchange
intervention in emerging market countries, BIS papers 24, May 2005).

In Thailand, the loss of monetary control led to a float of the currency and a balance
of payments crisis as a loss o confidence stopped the rolling over of Thailand’s large
ST FX debt. And because Thai banks had funded illiquid loans with unhedged ST FX
debt, the balance of payments crisis was accompanied by a banking crisis. In
Vietnam by contrast:

■ Hot money inflows have stopped as explained above

■ Vietnam’s ST FX debt is much smaller than Thailand’s was. Vietnam ST FX debt


was USD3.8 bn at end-07, against FX reserves of USD23 bn. By contrast
Thailand’s ST FX debts in 1997 were USD38 bn while there were virtually no
available FX reserves since these had been on-lent to commercial banks and the
reserve position of the BoT had been inflated by forward FX contracts.

■ Vietnamese banks do not have ST FX debts: rather they have FX deposits


representing about 20% of total deposits. Thai banks had short term debts of
USD24.4 bn in 1997,about 20% of deposits but these are less stable and less
subject to government controls than foreign currency deposits.

■ The Vietnamese government is tackling the overheating head on with policy


tightening. By contrast Asian countries did not tighten until they got hit by the
1997 crisis.

Thailand’s public finances in 1997 were stronger than Vietnam currently. In order
to accommodate large capital inflows, Thailand run budgetary surpluses up to the
1997 crisis. However these surpluses entailed under-spending in investments with
long gestation period such as infrastructure, health and education that are still
affecting the country’s growth prospects.

Trading strategies
There is still room for Vietnam to stabilize its economy and maintain growth close to
5% and that is the basis of our guarded optimism on the fundamentals. Foreign
investors’ focus on inflation and the trade balance, against our expectations that
both will improve and that a systemic banking crisis is unlikely in the short run
suggest a tightening of the CDS spread going forward. This suggests selling the 5
yr CDS at 325 bp.

Onshore interest rates are likely to rise as: the tightening of liquidity is still ongoing;
an eventual liberalization (if partial) of lending rates is likely to maintain banking
system profitability and efficiency; an eventual depreciation of the spot USD/VND is
likely to be accompanied by higher policy rates in order to limit exchange rate

LO C A L M AR K E T S ST R AT E G Y - AS I A 6 JU N E 20 08
7
LO C A L M AR K E T S ST R AT E G Y - AS I A

volatility. Hence we suggest going long the forward points i.e. selling the 1m NDF
at 17,650 and buying the 12 m at 21,175.

Chart 8 : CDS spread to tighten (5 yr CDS spread bp) Chart 9 : Forward points are likely to rise further
400 6000 18500

18000
350 5000
17500
300 4000
17000

250 3000 16500

2000 16000
200
15500
150 1000
15000
100 0
14500

50 -1000 14000

Feb-08

Feb-08
Jan-08

Jan-08

Jan-08

Mar-08

Mar-08

Apr-08

Apr-08

May-08

May-08

Jun-08
0
Sep-06

Nov-06

Jan-07

Mar-07

May-07

Jul-07

Sep-07

Nov-07

Jan-08

Mar-08

May-08 12 m points 1 m points Fixing (RHS)

Source: ABN AMRO Source: ABN AMRO

But even with a higher USD/VND spot rate, without more VND flexibility, Vietnam
could go through renewed episodes of loss of monetary control. Greater flexibility
would allow the exchange rate to absorb capital flows volatility and foster the
development of hedging instruments. At the same time, since Vietnam’s main
exports consist of commodities, a flexible exchange rate could reduce the output
volatility associated with terms of trade shocks. Without greater VND flexibility
investors should therefore be on the lookout for renewed spikes in inflation and VND
weakness.

Appendix: balance of payments projections


Table 1 : Balance of payments USD bn

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 f


Trade balance 0.4 0.6 -1.1 -2.6 -2.3 -2.4 -2.8 -10.3 -18.8
Exports 14.5 15.0 16.7 20.2 26.5 32.5 39.8 48.6 60.8
% change 26% 4.0% 11.2% 20.6% 31.4% 22.5% 22.7% 22.0% 25%
Imports 14.1 14.4 17.8 22.7 28.8 34.9 42.6 58.9 79.5
% change 33% 2.3% 23.3% 28.0% 26.6% 21.3% 22.1% 38.3% 35%
Invisibles 0.3 0.0 0.4 0.7 0.7 1.9 2.6 3.3 1.5
services -0.6 -0.6 -0.8 -0.8 -0.9 -0.2 0.0 -0.9 -0.5
investment inc. -0.6 -0.6 -0.8 -0.8 -0.9 -1.2 -1.4 -2.2 -2.0
transfers 1.5 1.3 1.9 2.2 2.5 3.4 4.1 6.4 4.0
Current account 0.6 0.7 -0.7 -1.9 -1.6 -0.5 -0.2 -7.0 -17.3

Capital account -0.7 0.2 1.9 3.3 2.8 3.1 3.1 18.7 14.0
FDI 1.3 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.6 1.9 2.3 6.6 8
Portfolio 0.9 1.3 7.4 2
loans 0.1 0.1 -0.1 0.5 1.2 0.9 1.0 2.1 4
MLT loans 0.1 0.1 -0.1 0.5 1.2 0.9 1.0 2.0 4
ST loans 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0
Currency and deposits -2.1 -1.2 0.6 1.4 0.0 -0.6 -1.5 2.6 0

Overall BoP -0.3 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.5 0.7 0.3 8.4 -4.8

Errors and omissions -0.7 -0.9 -1.0 0.8 -0.3 -0.5 1.4 -1.6 0

Change in FX reserves 0.1 0.3 0.4 2.2 0.8 2.0 4.4 9.4 -4.8
FX reserves 3.5 3.8 4.2 6.4 7.2 9.2 13.6 23.0 18.2
Source: ABN AMRO

LO C A L M AR K E T S ST R AT E G Y - AS I A 6 JU N E 20 08
8
DISCLOSURES APPENDIX

Regulatory disclosures

None

Global disclaimer
 Copyright 2008 ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and affiliated companies ("ABN AMRO"). All rights reserved.
This material was prepared by the ABN AMRO affiliate named on the cover or inside cover page. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not
constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any security or other financial instrument. While based on information believed to be reliable, no guarantee is
given that it is accurate or complete. While we endeavour to update on a reasonable basis the information and opinions contained herein, there may be regulatory,
compliance or other reasons that prevent us from doing so. The opinions, forecasts, assumptions, estimates, derived valuations and target price(s) contained in
this material are as of the date indicated and are subject to change at any time without prior notice. The investments referred to may not be suitable for the
specific investment objectives, financial situation or individual needs of recipients and should not be relied upon in substitution for the exercise of independent
judgement. The stated price of any securities mentioned herein is as of the date indicated and is not a representation that any transaction can be effected at this
price. Neither ABN AMRO nor other persons shall be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential, punitive or exemplary damages, including lost
profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only and the contents may not be
reproduced, redistributed, or copied in whole or in part for any purpose without ABN AMRO's prior express consent. In any jurisdiction in which distribution to
private/retail customers would require registration or licensing of the distributor which the distributor does not currently have, this document is intended solely for
distribution to professional and institutional investors.
Australia: Any report referring to equity securities is distributed in Australia by ABN AMRO Equities Australia Ltd (ABN 84 002 768 701, AFS Licence 240530), a
participant of the ASX Group. Any report referring to fixed income securities is distributed in Australia by ABN AMRO Bank NV (Australia Branch) (ABN 84 079 478
612, AFS Licence 238266). Australian investors should note that this document was prepared for wholesale investors only.
Brazil: ABN AMRO Corretora de Cambio e Valores Mobiliarios S.A. is responsible for the part of this report elaborated by research analysts registered at Comissao
de Valores Mobiliarios - CVM, as indicated. Investors resident in Brazil who receives this report should rely only on research prepared by research analysts
registered at CVM. In addition to other representations contained in this report, such research analysts state that the views expressed and attributed to them
accurately reflect solely and exclusively their personal opinions about the subject securities and issuers and/or other subject matter as appropriate, having such
opinion(s) been produced freely and independently from any party, including from ABN AMRO or any of its affiliates.
Canada: The securities mentioned in this material are available only in accordance with applicable securities laws and may not be eligible for sale in all
jurisdictions. Persons in Canada requiring further information should contact ABN AMRO Incorporated.
EEA: This material constitutes "investment research" for the purposes of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive and as such contains an objective or
independent explanation of the matters contained in the material. Any recommendations contained in this document must not be relied upon as investment advice
based on the recipient's personal circumstances. In the event that further clarification is required on the words or phrases used in this material, the recipient is
strongly recommended to seek independent legal or financial advice.
Denmark: ABN AMRO Bank N.V. is authorised and regulated in the Netherlands by De Nederlandsche Bank. In addition, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Copenhagen Branch
is subject to local supervision by Finanstilsynet, the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority. All analysts located in Denmark follow the recommendations from the
Danish Securities Dealers Association.
Finland: ABN AMRO Bank N.V. is authorised and regulated in the Netherlands by De Nederlandsche Bank. In addition, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Helsinki Branch is
subject to local supervision by Rahoitustarkastus, the Finnish Financial Supervision Authority.
Hong Kong: This document is being distributed in Hong Kong by, and is attributable to, ABN AMRO Asia Limited which is regulated by the Securities and Futures
Commission of Hong Kong.
India: Shares traded on stock exchanges within the Republic of India may only be purchased by different categories of resident Indian investors, Foreign
Institutional Investors registered with The Securities and Exchange Board of India ("SEBI") or individuals of Indian national origin resident outside India called Non
Resident Indians ("NRIs") and Overseas Corporate Bodies ("OCBs"), predominantly owned by such persons or Persons of Indian Origin (PIO). Any recipient of this
document wanting additional information or to effect any transaction in Indian securities or financial instrument mentioned herein must do so by contacting a
representative of ABN AMRO Asia Equities (India) Limited.
Italy: Persons in Italy requiring further information should contact ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Milan Branch.
Japan: This report is being distributed in Japan by ABN AMRO Securities Japan Ltd to institutional investors only.
Malaysia: ABN AMRO research, except for economics and FX research, is not for distribution or transmission into Malaysia.
New Zealand: This document is distributed in New Zealand to institutional investors by ABN AMRO Securities NZ Limited, an NZX accredited firm, and to retail
investors by ABN AMRO Craigs Limited, an NZX accredited firm. ABN AMRO Craigs Limited and/or its partners and employees may, from time to time, have a
financial interest in respect of some or all of the matters discussed.
Russia: The Russian securities market is associated with several substantial risks, legal, economic and political, and high volatility. There is a relatively high
measure of legal uncertainty concerning rights, duties and legal remedies in the Russian Federation. Russian laws and regulations governing investments in
securities markets may not be sufficiently developed or may be subject to inconsistent or arbitrary interpretation or application. Russian securities are often not
issued in physical form and registration of ownership may not be subject to a centralised system. Registration of ownership of certain types of securities may not
be subject to standardised procedures and may even be effected on an ad hoc basis. The value of investments in Russian securities may be affected by fluctuations
in available currency rates and exchange control regulations.
Singapore: Any report referring to equity securities is distributed in Singapore by ABN AMRO Asia Securities (Singapore) Pte Limited (RCB Regn No. 198703346M)
to clients who fall within the description of persons in Regulation 49 of the Securities and Futures (Licensing and Conduct of Business) Regulations and Regulations
34 and 35 of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Any report referring to non-equity securities is distributed in Singapore by ABN AMRO Bank NV (Singapore Branch)
Limited to clients who fall within the description of persons in Regulations 34 and 35 of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Investors should note that this material
was prepared for accredited investors only. Recipients who do not fall within the description of persons under Regulation 49 of the Securities and Futures
(Licensing and Conduct of Business) Regulations or Regulations 34 and 35 of the Financial Advisers Regulations should seek the advice of their independent
financial advisor prior to taking any investment decision based on this document or for any necessary explanation of its contents.
Sweden: ABN AMRO Bank N.V. is authorised and regulated in the Netherlands by De Nederlandsche Bank. In addition, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Stockholm Branch is
subject to local supervision by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority.
Thailand: Pursuant to an agreement with Asia Plus Securities Public Company Limited (APS), reports on Thai securities published out of Thailand are prepared by
APS but distributed outside Thailand by ABN AMRO Bank NV and affiliated companies. Responsibility for the views and accuracy expressed in such documents
belongs to APS.
United Kingdom: All research is distributed by ABN AMRO Bank NV, London Branch, which is authorised by De Nederlandsche Bank and regulated by the Financial
Services Authority for the conduct of UK business. The investments and services contained herein are not available to private customers in the United Kingdom.
United States: Except for any documents relating to foreign exchange, FX or global FX, distribution of this document in the United States or to US persons is
intended to be solely to major institutional investors as defined in Rule 15a-6(a)(2) under the US Securities Act of 1934. All US persons that receive this document
by their acceptance thereof represent and agree that they are a major institutional investor and understand the risks involved in executing transactions in
securities. Any US recipient of this document wanting additional information or to effect any transaction in any security or financial instrument mentioned herein,
must do so by contacting a registered representative of ABN AMRO Incorporated, Park Avenue Plaza, 55 East 52nd Street, New York, N.Y. 10055, US, tel + 1 212
409 1000, fax +1 212 409 5222.
- Material means all research information contained in any form including but not limited to hard copy, electronic form, presentations, e-mail, SMS or WAP.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The research analyst or analysts responsible for the content of this research report certify that: (1) the views expressed and attributed to the research analyst or
analysts in the research report accurately reflect their personal opinion(s) about the subject securities and issuers and/or other subject matter as appropriate; and,
(2) no part of his or her compensation was, is or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendations or views contained in this research report.
On a general basis, the efficacy of recommendations is a factor in the performance appraisals of analysts.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
For a discussion of the valuation methodologies used to derive our price targets and the risks that could impede their achievement, please refer to our latest
published research on those stocks at www.abnamroresearch.com.
Disclosures regarding companies covered by ABN AMRO group can be found on ABN AMRO's research website at www.abnamroresearch.com.
ABN AMRO's policy on managing research conflicts of interest can be found at https://www.abnamroresearch.com/Disclosure/Disclosure.AspX?MI=5.
Should you require additional information please contact the relevant ABN AMRO research team or the author(s) of this report.

LO C A L M AR K E T S ST R AT E G Y - AS I A 6 JU N E 20 08
9

You might also like