Good morning! Morning Minutes is a round-up of stories that will break on Wednesday (Dec 14) and which we think you'd be interested in.
It appears on weekdays, available by 7am.
MAS to release quarterly survey of professional forecasters
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is expected to release today the latest quarterly survey of professional forecasters.
The survey polls private sector economists and analysts on their growth predictions for Singapore. The forecast does not represent MAS' own views.
Last month, the Ministry of Trade and Industry narrowed its growth forecast for 2016 to 1 per cent to 1.5 per cent, from an earlier estimate of 1 per cent to 2 per cent.
World Memory Championships in Singapore
Masters of memory will be competing at the World Memory Championships taking place in Singapore from Wednesday until Saturday (Dec 14-17).
Some 200 participants from around the world are expected at the competition, now in its 25th year.
Memory challenges that contestants will tackle include those involving dates, words, numbers and abstract images.
Bank of Japan's quarterly tankan business sentiment index expected to improve
The Bank of Japan's quarterly tankan business sentiment index for small manufacturers was expected to improve to plus 19 in December from plus 18 three months ago, economists say.
The quarterly sentiment survey to be published today will be closely watched by the BOJs nine-member board which meets next week at its interest rate review meeting, and consider upgrading its language to signal the world's third largest economy is headed for a steady recovery.
Malaysia's Federal Court to deliver verdict on Anwar sodomy conviction
Malaysia's Federal Court will deliver its verdict today (Dec 14) on a review application filed by jailed opposition leader and former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim to set aside his sodomy conviction.
This is Anwar's final legal bid to challenge the five-year jail term for sodomising his former aide. If he succeeds in the bid, the court will decide whether to acquit him or order a retrial at the High court. If he fails, he will continue to be jailed until mid-2018.
