Private-sector economists have become slightly more cautious about Singapore's growth this year, according to the latest Monetary Authority of Singapore survey released on Wednesday.

The experts now expect the economy to expand by 3.8 per cent this year, a tad lower than the 3.9 per cent previously tipped in a December poll.

The survey was sent to 26 economists on Feb 20, and 22 responses were received.

Inflation expectations were also mostly unchanged. The economists projected overall inflation for this year to reach 2.8 per cent, the same as the previous poll.

Core inflation, which excludes housing and private road transport costs, is anticipated to come in at 2.4 per cent, marginally higher than the 2.3 per cent seen in the December survey.

Those polled also expect economic growth next year to reach 3.8 per cent, with overall inflation and core inflation projected to come in at 2.6 per cent and 2.4 per cent respectively.