Focus remains on Indonesian assets post yesterday's surprise rate cut from BI. We were last at 16470/75 for USD/IDR, up around +0.25% versus end Wednesday levels. Local equities are higher, albeit at the margin. For USD/IDR upside focus will rest at 16500, which has marked recent highs for the pair. BI has stated it would like to see USD/IDR at 16300. We are mindful of intervention risks if the pair tests above 16500 or gets closer to this level, see the chart below. With BI's focus seemingly shifting to growth over financial stability, this may aid the local equities, but local FX may not benefit.
Fig 1: USD/IDR Spot Versus Key EMAs

Source: Bloomberg Finance L.P./MNI
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Following on from Adam Butler's thread on X which I highlighted yesterday. The noise around AI’s ability to continue to grow at its current pace is starting to get louder. CNBC reported on an interview OpenAI CEO Sam Altman gave to The Verge in which it was reported he thinks the AI market is in a bubble. Below are some excerpts from the interview including some other viewpoints sourced from X: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/18/openai-sam-altman-warns-ai-market-is-in-a-bubble.html
RenMac on X: “Are plans to use AI stalling out? Percent of firms surveyed by Census (BTOS) that used AI in the last two weeks slid to 8.8%, lowest since May. Not welcome if it continues since this is what's been holding up growth this year.”
Fig 1: S&P 500 Vs S&P 500 Air Freight & Logistics

Source: MNI - Market News/@SamanthaLaDuc
Local governments must fully implement housing sector policies to promote supply-demand balance, stabilise prices and restore market confidence, as recent data shows the market remains in a deep adjustment phase, according to Yan Yuejin, deputy director at the E-House China R&D Institute in Shanghai. Yan emphasised that authorities must further intensify policy efforts, particularly in reducing home-buying costs and stimulating demand release.
China must expand the momentum of economic recovery while striving to meet its annual economic and social development targets, Premier Li Qiang emphasised at the ninth plenary meeting of the State Council. Li underscored the need to bolster confidence and recognise the risks and challenges facing the economy, including a severe external environment. He called for greater efforts to stabilise employment, safeguard livelihoods, enhance disaster prevention and strengthen safety and production oversight, in order to ensure overall social stability. (Source: Yicai)