Southeast Asian stocks subdued; Indonesia drags

Most Southeast Asian stock markets were subdued in thin trading on Tuesday as investors remained on sidelines ahead of the US Federal Reserve policy meeting.

The Federal Reserve is likely to hold interest rates at its policy meeting, waiting until the third quarter before raising rates once more, according to a Reuters poll.

The Indonesian index was the worst hit in the region, dipping 0.4 per cent, reports Reuters.

Consumer stocks led declines as Bank Indonesia is expected to keep rates on hold at their meeting on Thursday despite the country recording the lowest inflation in nearly a decade.

Indonesia's central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged for a fourth straight month on Thursday, according to a Reuters poll, with a growing number of analysts expecting BI's next move to be a cut.

Shares of conglomerate Astra International Tbk Pt and animal food manufacturer Charoen Pokphand Indonesia Tbk Pt dipped below 2.0 per cent.

An index of the country's 45 most liquid stocks declined 0.6 per cent.

Singapore's benchmark fell marginally with industrial majors Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd and Jardine Strategic Holdings Ltd slipping 0.9 per cent and 0.6 per cent, respectively.

Meanwhile, Thai index moved up 0.3 per cent recovering from three straight sessions of losses, ahead of the Bank of Thailand policy meeting on Wednesday.

Thailand's central bank is expected to keep its benchmark policy rate steady on Wednesday for a second straight review after a hike in December, a Reuters poll showed, in a bid to support a slowing economy.

Malaysian stocks pared early gains as investors exercised caution ahead of the country's February inflation data, which is expected to fall according to a Reuters poll.