New Zealand Trade Data Due On Thursday

(RTTNews) - New Zealand will on Thursday release February figures for imports, exports and trade balance, setting the pace for a modest day in Asia-Pacific economic activity.

Exports are expected to come in at NZ$4.44 billion, up from NZ$4.08 billion in January. Imports are called at NZ$3.75 billion, down from NZ$3.77 billion in the previous month. The trade surplus is expected to be NZ$600 million, up from NZ$306 million a month earlier.

China will see February numbers for industrial profits; in January, profits were up 12.2 percent on year.

The central bank in the Philippines will conclude its monetary policy meeting and then announce its decision on interest rates. The central bank is widely expected to keep its benchmark on hold at 3.50 percent.