Pros Say: How to Play Asian Currencies

The Singaporean dollar gained against its American counterpart Tuesday after the country's central bank announced it was effectively devaluing its currency after posting its worst quarterly economic contraction ever. Experts tell CNBC the gain is unlikely to last.

State of Singapore's Economy

The Singapore dollar's sustainability is doubtful, says Jimmy Koh, head of economies, treasury research at UOB. He speaks to CNBC about the record GDP fall of the country.

Singapore to Bottom Soon?

Singapore's economic recovery will take some time, but the country's fundamentals are stabilizing, says says Irvin Seah, economist at DBS. He expects a bottoming out of the growth cycle in the coming months.

Singapore Dollar Gains vs US Dollar Unlikely to Last

The Singapore dollar gained against the greenback, in spite of the Monetary Authority of Singapore's move to devalue the currency. But Lee Wai Tuck, currency markets strategist at Forecast does not think this trend will last.

Where Next for Asian Currencies?

Asian economies could see a shorter and shallower recession than some of the other countries around the world, says Nicholas Kwan, regional head of research, Asia at Standard Chartered Bank. CNBC asks him what this means for Asian currencies.

Japan's Stimulus Plan Unlikely to Impact FX

The Japanese government's new stimulus package is unlikely to have much impact on the currency markets, thinks Harry Ida, senior analyst at Thomson Reuters.

Japan's Evolving Retail Scene

Japan's discount retailers are evolving in the current recession as consumers look to food and clothes with lower price points, says David Hamaty, retail consultant at Kurt Salmon Associates.

Strong Aussie Expected

The Australian dollar will be stronger over the next 6 to 9 months, says Stephen Roberts, chief economist at Nomura.

Thailand's Bond Market

Danny Suwanapruti, fixed income strategist at Standard Chartered, sees opportunities in the bond market for domestic investors in Thailand but the baht's depreciation will make returns less attractive for foreigners.

Thai Baht Seen Weakening Against USD

Expect the Thai baht to weaken against the dollar due to the unrest there, says Thio Chin Loo, senior currency strategist at BNP Paribas. But she tells CNBC that it is unlikely to weaken too sharply.

Too Risky to Invest in Thailand

It is not worthwhile for investors to enter the Thai markets as it involves taking on too much risk, advises Hans Goetti, CIO of LGT Bank in Liechtenstein.

Thai Protests Continue

"The sentiment against the government, against the injustice in Thailand is still very much prevalent," Dr. Thitinan Pongsudhirak from Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok told CNBC Tuesday. 

Thailand's Credit Rating Could be Hit

While protestors rally against the Thai government, Thomas Byrne, senior vice president of Moody's Sovereign Risk Group, joined CNBC to discuss Thailand's current credit rating, and what would cause Moody's to downgrade the country.

Hoping for Economic Recovery in 2009

An economic recovery in the second half of 2009 is not unrealistic, according to Bechara Madi from Matrix Money Management. Madi told CNBC that the worst of the financial crisis was over.

© 2009 CNBC.com