Slowing investment as a result of investors' "wait-and-see" attitude amidst the general election and the downward trend in commodity prices has resulted in lower than expected economic growth in the first quarter of 2019. Sectorally, the lower growth was significantly contributed by continuation of slowing manufacturing growth in three consecutive quarters. Last month's inflation figure remained low at 2,83% (yoy), compared with inflation of 3,41% in the same month last year, reinforcing the assumption that domestic demand has not fully responded to the celebration of democracy and the Ramadan season.

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