Anti-Ahok rally by hardliners likely

Hardline Indonesian Muslims are expected to rally again outside Parliament today to press their demand for the government to suspend Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama.

Basuki, better known as Ahok, is on trial for insulting the Quran, and is in the midst of an election in which he hopes to win a second term. Islamist groups have held two big rallies against the Christian governor since November.

Co-op body holding new year reception

The Singapore National Cooperative Federation will be holding its annual new year reception this evening. The national body represents 66 cooperative affiliates in Singapore. Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Grace Fu will give a speech about the relevance of cooperatives, as well as how they can help the nation as it grapples with various issues, including an ageing population.

Key PMI data out today

The United States, the euro zone and Japan will release flash estimates of their manufacturing purchasing managers' index today.

Private gauges of the PMI for the month of February, by Markit and Nikkei, measure performance of their manufacturing sector, and readings above 50 indicate expansion.

Markit will also give flash PMI estimates of the service sector in the US and euro zone.