FINWIRES · TerminalLIVE
FINWIRES

Stock Exchange of Thailand Index (SET)

^SET
IndexIndex

132 stories mentioning Stock Exchange of Thailand Index (SET)Updated 3d ago

Thai equities trade amid Middle East peace optimism, as 17 new depositary receipts on US and Hong Kong securities begin trading June 12.

International

Thailand Manufacturing Sector Growth Slows in April, S&P Global Says

Thailand's manufacturing sector continued to expand in April, although at a slower rate, as rising costs and weakened momentum on demand weighed on activity, according to data released Tuesday by S&P Global.The S&P Global Thailand Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 52.7 in April from 54.1 in March, marking its joint-lowest level since July last year, but remaining above the 50 threshold for a twelfth straight month.New orders and output both increased, though growth softened, with firms citing a squeeze on purchasing power that dampened demand and led to the slowest expansion in sales in eight months.Backlogs of work rose at a faster pace, while employment was broadly unchanged following slight declines in the previous two months.Purchasing activity continued to increase, but supplier delivery times lengthened to the greatest extent in over three years, reflecting supply chain disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.Cost pressures intensified, with input prices rising at the fastest rate in more than three-and-a-half years, driven by higher oil, fuel and raw material costs.Business confidence picked up in April after falling to a more than four-and-a-half-year low in March, but remained weak due to concerns over rising prices and demand risks, S&P said.

^SET
Asia

Market Chatter: Thailand's Cabinet to Consider Loan Plan for Living Costs, Clean Energy

Members of the Thai cabinet are set to meet Tuesday to discuss a proposed loan framework to support funding for the cost of living and clean energy, the Bangkok Post reported Monday.Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek was cited in the article as saying that the co-payment scheme under the plan is expected to support the economy while easing living costs. The loan deal, which could be worth between 400 billion baht and 500 billion baht, is also earmarked for solar power and other renewable energy sources, as well as to support the shift away from fossil fuel imports, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

^SET
International

Asia Week Ahead: PMI Reports; Central Bank Decisions; and Inflation Prints

For the week ahead in Asia, the economic calendar is packed with S&P Global's monthly purchasing managers' index reports, inflation prints, and central bank decisions across the region.Monday brings a slate of S&P Global manufacturing PMI reports for April, alongside Indonesia's inflation and trade figures.On Tuesday, markets will turn to the Reserve Bank of Australia's interest rate decision, while Thailand and the Philippines release April inflation data.Wednesday features South Korea's April inflation print and New Zealand's first-quarter labor-market report, along with PMI readings from India, China, Hong Kong and Singapore.On Thursday, Malaysia's central bank decision will be in focus, alongside Taiwan's April inflation data and the Philippines' first-quarter GDP report.On Friday, Taiwan's April trade data and Malaysia's March industrial production figures will be due, before China closes out the week with April trade figures on Saturday.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, May 4The week kicked off with a slate of S&P Global purchasing managers' index reports covering manufacturing activity during April.Most economies in the region saw a rise in output despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East which has pushed oil prices upwards.Malaysia's manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace in four years in April, supported by stronger output and a return to growth in new orders.The S&P Global Malaysia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 51.6 in April from 50.7 in March, marking a second straight month of expansion.Output grew at the fastest pace since December 2021, while new orders increased as firms and clients built safety stocks amid uncertainty linked to the Middle East war.Output activity also expanded in South Korea, India, and Taiwan, according to S&P Global.Meanwhile, Vietnam's manufacturing sector also expanded, albeit at a slower pace.The S&P Global Vietnam Manufacturing PMI slipped to 50.5 in April from 51.2 in March, a seven-month low, signalling a tenth straight month of expansion but only marginal growth.In contrast, Indonesia's manufacturing sector slipped into contraction in April as cost pressures intensified due to material shortages and delays linked to the Middle East conflict.The S&P Global Indonesia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 49.1 in April from 50.1 in March, dropping below the 50 mark for the first time in nine months.Manufacturing activity similarly slipped in the Philippines as new orders fell sharply and cost pressures intensified.Indonesia released inflation figures, noting a 2.4% year on year rise in prices during April -- slower than the 3.5% recorded a month prior.The island state also booked a trade surplus of $5.55 billion in the first quarter, supported by a strong non-oil and gas balance despite higher import growth, according to official data released by Statistics Indonesia.The Melbourne Institute released its monthly inflation gauge, noting another increase in April, mainly driven by higher recreation-related prices. The monthly cost of living also increased in April, especially for employees and self-funded retirees.TUESDAY, May 5An interest rate decision in Australia will capture headlines on Tuesday.The Reserve Bank of Australia is likely to rate hikes by 25 basis points to 4.35% as persistent inflation pressures and rising fuel costs linked to Middle East supply disruptions keeps the central bank on a hawkish path even as global peers hold steady.Thailand and the Philippines will release inflation data for April.Economists at ING said they expect the Philippines' headline inflation to rise above 5% as the government passes on the impact of higher global oil prices onto consumers. The Philippines' inflation climbed to 4.1% in March.Thailand is similarly expected to see a rise in consumer prices during April. According to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics, headline inflation could clock in at 1.7% on an annual basis, compared with a 0.08% decline in March.First-quarter gross domestic growth data will be due in Indonesia. DBS said it was forecasting 5.6% growth for the quarter thanks to government spending and festive spending during the period, the Wall Street Journal reported.Hong Kong will similarly release its first-quarter advance GDP growth estimate on Tuesday.Meanwhile, March retail sales figures will be expected in Singapore.On the activity front, S&P Global will release PMI reports manufacturing activity in Thailand and services and composite activity in Australia.WEDNESDAY, May 6Another inflation print, this time in South Korea.Economists at ING said they expect consumer prices to rise at a faster pace in April despite attempts by Seoul to rein in the impact of rising oil costs on consumers. A consensus compiled by Trading Economics indicated headline inflation could clock in at 2.6%.In March, South Korea's annual inflation rose to 2.2%, breaching the central bank's 2% target.First-quarter labor data from New Zealand will also be in the news.CommBank expects headline labor-market figures to remain weak, forecasting just 0.1% quarterly employment growth and a rise in unemployment to 5.5%, compared with Trading Economics consensus estimates of 0.3% employment growth and a 5.4% jobless rate for the first quarter."We do not envisage a labor market recovery until 2027, reflective of adverse impacts from geopolitical ructions," CommBank said in a preview.The Philippines will similarly release labor data for March, as well as industrial production figures.ING said it expects unemployment to edge higher. "On the industry side, weak soft construction activity should continue to weigh on growth," ING said.Additional S&P Global PMI reports covering services and composite activity in India and China, as well as overall activity in Hong Kong and Singapore, will be due.A business confidence report will be due in Thailand, while Hong Kong's March retail sales figures will also be on display.THURSDAY, May 7Malaysia's central bank will meet for its interest rate decision, with no change expected in the 2.75% policy rate.RHB Bank said it expects Bank Negara Malaysia to hold rates as growth remains steady and inflation remains in check, the Wall Street Journal reported.Taiwan's April inflation print will be due, with analysts looking for signs on how the Iran war was weighing in on prices. ING said it expects to see inflationary pressure picking up after limited pass through of energy prices in March.Australia will release March trade figures. The country's trade surplus could fall to A$4.45 billion from the A$5.69 billion recorded in the month prior, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.CommBank said it expects the goods trade balance to decline due to rising fuel imports in the wake of the Iran conflict.The Philippines' first-quarter GDP growth figures will be expected. ING said the Philippines' economy could recover to a growth of 4.3% year on year thanks to favorable base effects and some pick-up in government spending.The Philippines' economy grew by 3% last quarter.Another confidence report covering consumer sentiment will be due in Thailand.FRIDAY, May 8Markets will be on the lookout for Taiwan's trade data for April.ING said it expects the island state's trade surplus to rise to $21.6 billion from $21.3 billion in the month prior. "We're looking for another strong month, with 59.3% YoY export growth and 35.5% import growth," ING said in a preview.In Malaysia, March industrial production figures will be due.S&P Global will release PMI reports covering services and composite activity in Japan.SATURDAY, May 9China will release its April trade data on Saturday.The world's second largest economy could record a surplus of $82.4 billion for the month, rising from $51.13 billion in March, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.Analysts at DBS expect a sharp uptick in surplus, with export growth more than doubling to 8.4% from the 2.5% rise seen in March, the WSJ reported.

ASX 200^BSE^HNX^HOSEHang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKOSPINikkei 225^NSE^NZ50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted
Asia

Market Chatter: Southeast Asians Turn to New Crude Oil Suppliers Amid Middle East Crisis

Southeast Asian countries are changing where they buy crude oil, moving away from Gulf suppliers and turning to places like the US, Brunei and Libya, Nikkei Asian Review reported Monday, citing trade data and Kpler shipping figures.The shift comes as disruptions in Middle Eastern supply routes have hit flows through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing import-reliant economies such as Thailand and Vietnam to look for new sources. Thailand's imports from the UAE fell sharply in April, while shipments from Brunei and Libya increased, according to the report.Vietnam has also reworked its supply mix, with lower volumes from traditional suppliers offset by arrivals from countries including Angola, Argentina and the United States. Singapore has similarly cut reliance on Gulf crude, with most of its imports now sourced from the US, the news outlet said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

^HNX^HOSE^JKSE^PSEI^SET^STI
Asia

ADB Commits $70 Billion Investment in Asia Through 20235 to Boost Energy, Digital Infrastructure

The Asian Development Bank will inject $70 billion through 2035 to expand energy and digital infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific, with a focus on cross-border electricity trade and broader internet access.In the recent report on Monday, ADB President Masato Kanda said stronger regional connectivity will help lower costs and support growth. The bank plans to mobilize $50 billion under its Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative to link national grids, scale up renewable energy use, and build transmission lines, substations and storage.A further $20 billion will go towards the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway, funding fibre networks, data centres and other digital systems. By 2035, the projects aim to connect 200 million people to power, widen broadband access, and generate jobs across the region, the report said.

^BSE^HNX^HOSEI^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCINifty 50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted
US Markets

ADB Pledges $70 Billion For Energy, Digital Networks Across APAC as Middle East Conflict Batters Outlook

The Asian Development Bank is committing $70 billion to support new energy and digital infrastructure initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region by 2035.ADB President Masato Kanda announced the pledge on Sunday during the lender's annual meeting in Uzbekistan."Energy and digital access will define the region's future," said Kanda. "These two initiatives build the systems Asia and the Pacific need to grow, compete, and connect. By linking power grids and digital networks across borders, we can lower costs, expand opportunity, and bring reliable power and digital access to hundreds of millions of people."The pledge comes as the ADB sharply downgraded its forecast for the APAC region, citing energy disruptions from the ongoing Middle East conflict.On Wednesday, the ADB slashed its GDP growth outlook for developing Asia and the Pacific to 4.7% in 2026 from the previous 5.1% forecast.Inflation for 2026 is projected to accelerate to 5.2% in 2026 from 3% in 2025, before easing to 4.1% in 2027."Our revised outlook is a significant downward revision for growth and a sharp increase in inflation following a special update to reflect the deepening crisis," Kanda said at the time.The bank's new outlook assumes that oil prices average around $96 a barrel in 2026, well above the $69 per barrel average in January and February before the Middle East conflict. The bank expects oil prices to ease to around $80 per barrel in 2027."We are confronting systemic, long-lasting disruptions to global energy and trade networks, not just temporary volatility. ADB will remain an agile partner in protecting the region's economy; tracking fast-moving risks, and moving with urgency to scale up our support," Kanda added.Diesel prices across several Southeast Asian countries have increased by more than 100% since late February, the ADB said in its updated outlook report.The ADB also noted in its Wednesday report that the energy shock is also affecting fertilizer prices, which it said could add to food inflation, particularly for economies most dependent on Middle East imports.Against that backdrop, the ADB is committing $70 billion to build new energy and digital infrastructure in Asia and the Pacific by 2035.The largest investment, worth $50 billion, will be allocated towards cross-border power infrastructure to unlock renewable energy at scale, the ADB said.The project will focus on transmission and grid integration, including cross-border lines, substations, storage, and grid digitalization, according to the lender.By 2035, the bank aims to integrate about 20 gigawatts of renewable energy across borders, connect 22,000 circuit-kilometers of transmission lines, and cut regional power sector emissions by 15%, while improving energy access for around 200 million people.The remaining $20 billion will fund the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway, targeting digital corridors, data infrastructure, and AI-ready economies.The project aims to bring first-time broadband access to 200 million people and cut connectivity costs in remote and landlocked areas by about 40%.The South Korean government will back a new Center for AI Innovation and Development in Seoul with a $20 million contribution. The center will aim to train about 3 million people in digital and AI-related skills by 2035.Separately on Sunday, the ADB also unveiled a Critical Minerals-to-Manufacturing Financing Partnership Facility designed to help the region move beyond mining into higher-value industries such as processing, manufacturing, and recycling.Japan committed $20 million to the grant window, the UK contributed $1.6 million, and the Korea Eximbank and the Korean Trade Insurance Corporation each signed $500 million memorandums as the facility's first partners.

ASX 200^BSE^HNX^HOSEHang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKOSPINikkei 225^NSE^NZ50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted
International

Thailand's GDP Grows in Q1 Supported by Exports, Manufacturing

Thailand's economy in the first quarter expanded from the previous quarter, supported by exports, manufacturing and domestic demand, the central bank said Thursday.Private consumption slipped 0.8%, while private investment dropped 3.5%, reflecting softer domestic momentum. Government spending, however, rose 4.8%, helping cushion overall growth.Trade activity remained active, with exports increasing 3.3%, though imports surged 11.5% as firms accelerated sourcing of inputs and energy-related goods, Bank of Thailand said.On prices, headline inflation eased to 0.08%, while core inflation rose 0.57% from a year earlier. The current account remained in surplus at about $600 million, the central bank said.

^SET
International

ADB Cuts Economic Growth Projections for Developing Asia Amid Middle East Crisis

The Asian Development Bank sharply downgraded its economic growth forecasts for developing Asia and the Pacific while raising inflation projections, citing prolonged disruptions from the Middle East conflict that are driving up energy prices and tightening financial conditions.The bank now expects regional growth of 4.7% in 2026 and 4.8% in 2027, down from its earlier forecast of 5.1% for both years. Meanwhile, inflation is projected to accelerate to 5.2% this year before slowing to 4.1% in 2027, according to the latest ADB report.ADB said the revisions reflect sustained pressure on oil and gas prices, with crude expected to average about $96 per barrel in 2026, significantly higher than pre-conflict levels, weighing on fuel-importing economies.Under a more severe scenario, growth could ease further to 4.2% this year and 4% next year, while inflation may spike to 7.4% in 2026, the bank added, urging targeted fiscal support and measured monetary responses.

^DSE^HNX^HOSEHang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI^KOSDAQKOSPINifty 50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZECTaiwan Weighted^YSX
International

Thailand Keeps Policy Rate Steady at 1%, as Expected

The Bank of Thailand's Monetary Policy Committee unanimously voted to keep the policy rate unchanged at 1%, as expected by analysts, according to a Wednesday press release.The committee said Thailand's economy is expected to slow as the Middle East conflict drives up costs, weakens household purchasing power and adds uncertainty to the outlook.While earlier data showed stronger-than-expected growth supported by domestic demand and exports, GDP is now projected to ease to 1.5% in 2026 and 2.0% in 2027 due to war-related impacts.Private consumption is expected to come under pressure from higher living costs and weaker incomes, while tourism arrivals may also decline. Export growth, however, is expected to remain supported by global demand for tech products. Inflation is projected to average 2.9% in 2026 before easing to 1.5% in 2027 as supply pressures fade, the central bank said.

^SET
Asia

Market Chatter: Thailand Trims Growth Forecast As Tourism Slumps Amid Middle East Crisis

Thailand's economic growth and tourist arrivals are expected to slow this year as Middle East tensions push up global energy prices, The Star reported Wednesday, citing the finance ministry.The country's GDP growth is projected to ease to 1.6% from 2.4% in 2025, within the government's earlier forecast range of 1.5% to 2.5%. Foreign tourist arrivals are now estimated at 33.5 million, about two million fewer than previously expected, reflecting weaker inflows from Europe and the Middle East, according to the report.The ministry said the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran has dampened travel demand and driven up fuel costs, weighing on the tourism sector. Visitors from the Middle East fell by a third in March from a year earlier, while European arrivals dropped about 4%, although arrivals from other Asian countries rose 6%, the news outlet said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

^SET
Asia

Market Chatter: Thailand Pushes $31 Billion Land Bridge Project Amid Global Shipping Risks

Thailand is seeking investors for a 1 trillion baht ($30.97 billion) "Land Bridge" project linking the Indian and Pacific oceans, as disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz expose vulnerabilities in global shipping routes, Reuters reported Wednesday.The government is courting partners, including Singapore, and plans to submit the proposal for cabinet approval by mid-year. The project envisions deep-sea ports in Ranong and Chumphon connected by road, rail and energy infrastructure, providing an alternative to the Strait of Malacca, reportedly.Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul discussed the plan with Singapore's Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing, who expressed interest, with the project still facing environmental and regulatory challenges, the news agency said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

^SET
International

Asia Week Ahead: Central Bank Decisions; Inflation Prints; and Trade Data

For the week ahead in Asia, the economic calendar is packed with major data releases, central bank decisions and inflation updates across the region.Monday brings China's first-quarter industrial profits data, as well as Malaysia's producer prices.On Tuesday, markets will turn to the Bank of Japan's interest rate decision, alongside trade figures from Hong Kong and Macao, and India's March production report.Wednesday features Thailand's central bank rate decision and Australia's closely watched quarterly inflation print, while Thursday brings China's official and private PMI readings.On Friday, Japan's Tokyo core inflation reading will be in focus, along with South Korea's April trade data.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, April 27The week kicked off with the release of China's industrial profits data for the first quarter.The total profits of China's industrial enterprises rose 15.5% year on year to 1.696 trillion yuan during the first three months of 2026, with increases seen in the mining, manufacturing, technology, and chemical industries.A drop in profits was witnessed in the utilities industry, as well as the electricity and heat and agricultural industries, data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed.Singapore disclosed its manufacturing output stats for March, highlighting a 10.1% jump in production thanks to strong growth across almost all clusters.Malaysia's producer prices rose in March for the first time in a year, driven largely by a rebound in the mining sector, according to Trading Economics.Producer prices climbed 1.1% year on year, reversing a 3.4% decline in the previous month.Meanwhile, Taiwan's consumer confidence index edged up to 62.47 in April, rising 0.17 points from March.The uptick was driven by improvements in four sub-indicators, with sentiment on employment opportunities posting the largest monthly gain.A pair of reports covering business and consumer confidence was also due in the Philippines.TUESDAY, April 28Markets will turn their attention to an interest rate decision scheduled in Japan.The upcoming decision could be a complicated one for the Bank of Japan as it grapples with intensifying inflation domestically and the uncertainty surrounding the Middle East, ING said in a preview.While markets broadly expect the central bank to maintain rates at 0.75%, ING said it continues to believe there's a chance the Bank of Japan may hike rates.Japanese unemployment data is also due the same day, with observers expecting the jobless rate to hover around the 2.6% mark, unchanged from the prior month, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.Hong Kong will disclose trade stats for March. According to Trading Economics, the city state's trade deficit could narrow to HK$43 billion from the HK$64.2 billion recorded in February.Macao will similarly release balance of trade figures. The city state's trade deficit could narrow to 9.4 billion pataca in March from 9.9 billion pataca a month prior, Trading Economics forecasted.India's industrial production data for March will also be in the news. A consensus compiled by Trading Economics indicated analysts expect India's industrial production growth to slow to a rate of 4.2% from 5.2% in February.India's manufacturing weakened in March as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, unstable market conditions, and inflationary pressures impacted output, S&P Global said previously. However, conditions appeared to have improved in April, according to the firm's most recent flash purchasing managers' index release.South Korea's business confidence report for April will be due the same day.WEDNESDAY, April 29Thailand's central bank will meet for its interest rate decision.The Bank of Thailand is seen to hold rates steady at 1% amid softening growth and inflationary pressure due to the conflict in the Middle East, the Wall Street Journal reported.Thailand's March Industrial production data is also expected on the same day.Australia's latest inflation print will be in the news, providing markets with an overview of pricing pressure ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia's May board meeting.Westpac said it expects to see a 4.2% yearly gain in headline inflation for the March quarter.The quarterly data is likely to affirm for the Reserve Bank of Australia that the underlying inflation pressures are evident in the economy before the escalation of the Middle East conflict in late February, ANZ said in a preview.In Singapore, March import and export prices will be expected, as well as producer price inflation data.THURSDAY, April 30China's manufacturing and services sectors will be in focus as the National Bureau of Statistics releases its monthly purchasing managers' index covering manufacturing, non-manufacturing, and general PMI for April.The release will be accompanied by a private reading on China's manufacturing sector from S&P Global.Economists at ING said they expect official data to show activity dipped back into contractionary territory following the expansion witnessed in March.ING forecasts manufacturing PMI falling to 49.9 and the non-manufacturing PMI dipping to 49.8, and said it expects to see pricing pressure continuing to build in the PMI sub-indices.Taiwan will release its first-quarter advance gross domestic product growth rate, with markets looking for signs of whether the island state's economy can continue posting stellar growth due to its global positioning in high-precision semiconductor production.Researchers at ANZ expect Taiwan's first-quarter GDP growth rate to come in at 11.8%, slowing from the 12.7% rise witnessed in the prior quarter, the Wall Street Journal reported.In Australia, the first-quarter import and export prices data is expected. CommBank said it expects export prices to rise 1.2% while import prices to decline 0.6%, both on a quarter-on-quarter basis.Meanwhile, a confidence report due in New Zealand is likely to show a further deterioration in business sentiment due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, CommBank said in a preview.Further trade data is expected in the Philippines, which could see its trade deficit widen to $4.1 billion in March from $3.68 billion in April, according to Trading Economics.Both South Korea and Japan will release industrial production and retail sales data for March.ING said it expects Japan's industrial production to "rebound quite firmly" during the month. The firm expects industrial output to rise 2.2% year on year from the 0.4% rise witnessed in February.Japan will additionally release a consumer confidence report for April, while a similar release covering business confidence will be due in Singapore.Singapore's first-quarter preliminary unemployment rate will also be released on Thursday.Thailand's February retail sales stats will be due.FRIDAY, May 1Japan's closely watched Tokyo core consumer price index for April will capture headlines, offering markets an early indicator of the overall inflation rate in the country."The Tokyo CPI is expected to rise faster in April, reflecting recent energy price hikes, a weak JPY, solid wage growth, and bi-annual price adjustments," ING said in a preview.South Korea announces April trade data.The country's trade surplus could drop marginally to $26 billion from $26.2 billion a month prior, even as exports show a 50% year on year growth due to robust chip shipments, ING said.A consumer confidence report due in New Zealand could show sentiment weakening further in April and over the coming months amid the Middle East conflict, CommBank said in a preview."As the conflict progresses, overall consumer confidence is expected to continue falling," CommBank said.Neighboring Australia will release first-quarter produce price data.On the activity front, S&P Global releases its PMI reports covering manufacturing activity in Australia and Japan.

ASX 200^BSEHang SengFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKOSPINikkei 225^NSE^NZ50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted
Asia

Market Chatter: Weakened Remittances Amid Middle East Conflict to Put Further Pressure on Southeast Asian Economies

Southeast Asian countries could see additional constraints from dampened remittance inflows, greater unemployment, and other spillover impacts from the Middle East war, Nikkei Asia said in a Thursday release.These pressures will add up to already rising energy prices and currency depreciation due to the conflict, the report said.Among the region's economies, the Philippines could be impacted the most as it is the largest source of migrant workers to the Middle East, reaching 1.1 million in January, according to the report.About 8.7% of the Philippines' 2024 GDP is attributed to remittances, the report cited World Bank data as saying.Remittances from overseas Filipino workers reached $2.8 billion in February, but this is expected to decline in March, according to the report.The country has repatriated about 4,200 workers from the Middle East since early March, with Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore also doing similar actions for their citizens, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

^JKSE^PSEI^SET^STI
Asia

Market Chatter: Thai Prime Minister Orders Legal Review of Emergency Loan Decree

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has issued a directive to deputy Ekniti Nitithanprapas and the Council of State to assess the legal implications of issuing an emergency loan decree and boosting Thailand's borrowing limit, according to a Wednesday report by The Bangkok Post.A loan decree could be legally feasible in current circumstances, Ekniti, who is also the country's finance minister, told the cabinet on Tuesday, according to the report.The prime minister described it as a contingency plan to counter potentially deteriorating economic conditions. However, there was no formal discussion regarding a proposed 500-billion-baht borrowing decree at the cabinet meeting, the news outlet reported.The country's public debt comes in at around 66% of GDP currently, below the 70% statutory ceiling, allowing for 800 billion baht in remaining borrowing capacity, according to the Bangkok Post.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

^SET
Asia

Market Chatter: Thai Government Denies Plans to Increase VAT

The Thai government does not plan to increase value-added tax (VAT) to 10% from 7%, The Bangkok Post reported Wednesday citing deputy government spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek.Rachada denied reports of a hike and labelled them as misinformation, emphasizing the focus of the government on reducing the cost of living for the public, according to the report.Rachada also clarified that remarks by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt about the government potentially bypassing bureaucratic channels to issue an emergency decree to allow substantial borrowing are merely legal in nature.Council Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development, reiterated that VAT will remain unchanged, The Bangkok Post said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

^SET
International

Moody's Changes Thailand's Outlook to Stable from Negative

Moody's changed the outlook on the government of Thailand to stable from negative, according to a Tuesday release by rating agency.The ratings firm also affirmed the foreign and local currency issuer and local currency senior unsecured ratings at Baa1, and Thailand's foreign currency commercial paper rating at P-2.The move comes amid the easing of downside risks from a tariff shock after the US reduced levies on Thai exports to levels which are largely in line with regional peers.Risks related to higher oil prices due to the Middle East conflict are expected to weigh on growth but will be comparable to peers.

^SET
Asia

Market Chatter: Thai Shipping Firms Summoned Amid Missing Oil Probe

Thai authorities have summoned eight shipping companies as witnesses in an investigation into missing oil shipments at sea, The Bangkok Times reported Tuesday, citing Thailand's Department of Special Investigation (DSI).The probe covers discrepancies in 20 oil cargos transported from refineries in eastern Thailand to Surat Thani, where up to 60 million liters are allegedly missing, the report said.Officials are reviewing shipping records and transport documentation to determine the cause of the irregularities. The companies have cooperated so far as investigators assess whether to upgrade the case into a formal special investigation. A separate probe is already underway into suspected oil stockpiling at a Surat Thani depot, according to the report.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

^SET
Asia

Market Chatter: Thailand Steps Up Relief Measures as Economic Pressures Mount

Thailand is ramping up cost-of-living relief measures as the economy faces pressure from Middle East tensions, VN Express reported Monday, citing Minister Suphajee Suthumpun.The government is rolling out 3,800 mobile "Pum-Puang" units to sell cheaper goods nationwide, especially in remote areas with limited market access. It is also expanding its "Blue Flag" discount program with hundreds of fairs and thousands of mobile vendors across provinces and Bangkok.In addition, a subsidized loan scheme for farmers has been introduced to ease financial strain, with interest costs shared between borrowers and the state.Officials said the combined measures aim to widen access to affordable goods and support household purchasing power, according to the news outlet.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

^SET
Asia

Market Chatter: Thailand Poised for Second Cut in Oil Fuel Prices

Thailand is preparing a second cut in oil refining margins of over 2 baht per liter, which could reduce fuel prices this week, The Bangkok Post reported Monday, citing Energy Minister, Akanat Promphan.The move follows an earlier reduction in March that lowered retail fuel costs by 2.14 baht per liter. Officials are reviewing April cost data, which showed refining margins rising sharply to around 15 baht per liter, prompting calls for adjustment, reportedly.A policy meeting is scheduled to finalize the revised rates. The review will take into account higher costs like insurance, transport, and war risks, while fuel price changes will stay gradual due to pressure on the oil fund, the news outlet said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

^SET
Asia

Market Chatter: Thailand Eyes THB500 Billion Emergency Loan as Fiscal Pressures Worsen

Thailand is preparing an emergency decree to raise up to 500 billion baht ($15.6 billion) in borrowing and address the debt ceiling amid tightening fiscal space and rising risks, Reuters reported Monday, citing Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt.Public debt stands at around 66% of GDP, close to the current 70% limit, which may be raised to accommodate the planned borrowing. The government is also preparing its 2027 budget with a focus on curbing non-essential spending and managing fiscal risks, reportedly.A 3.788 trillion Thai baht budget has been approved, with a slight increase in spending and a lower projected deficit, and will be submitted for parliamentary review in July, the news agency said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

^SET

Showing 101-120 of 132

Track with the FINWIRES app suite

FolioX
FolioX
Track Stock Exchange of Thailand Index (SET) in your portfolio
WheelAI
WheelAI
Analyze Stock Exchange of Thailand Index (SET) options with the wheel strategy
StockInsider
StockInsider
See market sentiment on Stock Exchange of Thailand Index (SET)