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168 stories mentioning Stock Exchange of Thailand Index (SET)Updated 8h ago

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

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Asia

Thai Constitutional Court to Review Emergency Borrowing Plan

Thailand's Constitutional Court has agreed to review a petition challenging whether an emergency decree allowing the Ministry of Finance to borrow funds for energy crisis mitigation and energy transition measures complies with the constitution.The case was filed by 133 members of parliament, who argued that the Royal Decree on borrowing authority is not in line with constitutional requirements, according to a Monday court statement.The court said the petition is admissible under Section 173(1) and related procedural law, and has accepted it for consideration.It has ordered the Cabinet to submit clarifications and supporting documents within seven days of receiving the request.

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International

Asia Week Ahead: Central Bank Moves, Inflation Data, Trade Numbers and GDP Reports

For this week in Asia, the economic calendar features a busy slate of macro releases across the region.The week begins with a slew of closely watched indicators from China, including industrial production and unemployment data.On Tuesday, markets turn to Japan's first-quarter GDP estimates and Malaysia's April inflation print.Wednesday features policy decisions in Indonesia and China, along with trade data from Taiwan.Thursday brings Japan's latest trade figures and Australia's closely watched labor market report. On Friday, Japan returns to the spotlight with its April inflation print.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, May 18The week kicked off with a flurry of macro releases from China.Industrial production: A 4.1% year-over-year expansion was recorded in April, sharply slowing from the 5.7% growth in March and way below expectations of a 5.9% rise.Retail sales: Growth decelerated to 0.2% year on year in April, versus 1.7% a month prior.Unemployment: The rate eased to 5.2% in April from 5.4% a month earlier.Meanwhile, prices of new residential properties in China's first-tier cities grew 0.1% month on month in April, decelerating from the 0.2% expansion in March.Chinese investments in real estate development fell 13.7% year on year to 2.397 trillion yuan between January and April.Outside China, Thailand reported that its gross domestic product grew at a faster rate of 2.8% in the first quarter of 2026 from 2.5% in the last three months of 2025.In Singapore, April trade showed a 24.5% year on year rise in non-oil domestic exports, extending the 15.3% increase in the previous month.Elsewhere, New Zealand's services sector showed a modest improvement in April but remained in contraction, with persistent cost pressures and global shipping disruptions continuing to weigh on sentiment, according to BusinessNZ.The BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index rose to 48.9 in April from 46.2 in March. A reading below the 50-point mark points to contraction.TUESDAY, May 19Markets will turn their attention to Japan's preliminary first-quarter GDP.Economists at ING said they expect the economy to grow at a similar rate as the previous quarter's 0.3% on a seasonally adjusted basis. "The war's impact on GDP should be minimal in 1Q26," the bank said in a preview.Meanwhile, Malaysia will disclose its April inflation print, with Trading Economics expecting prices to rise at a faster pace than the 1.7% year over year growth seen in March. According to the data platform, Malaysia's CPI could rise at a rate of 2.7%.In Australia, the Reserve Bank of Australia's meeting minutes will add color to the central bank's recent decision to increase the official cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.35%.CommBank said the minutes may provide more details on the board's discussion and how members were assessing the impact of the conflict around Iran.A consumer confidence report, due for release the same day, will capture sentiment over the most recent RBA rate hike and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.Lastly, Hong Kong will report April unemployment stats on the same day.WEDNESDAY, May 20Bank Indonesia will meet for its monetary policy meeting and could raise rates by 25 basis points to 5% amid a depreciation of the local currency and a shift in expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts, which bodes unfavorably for the Indonesian rupiah, ING forecasted.China will similarly set its one-year and five-year loan prime rates, with markets expecting no change in the prevailing rates of 3% and 3.5%, respectively.Trade data from Taiwan and Malaysia will be due.Taiwan is once again expected to show a "strong reading" when it releases April export orders data, with growth topping 54% year on year, ING said in a preview.The island nation started the year "quite strongly" amid external demand for its main high-tech products, which is expected to continue, according to the note.Meanwhile, Malaysia's trade surplus is expected to narrow to 10.5 billion ringgit from 24.6 billion ringgit in the month prior, Trading Economics forecasted.The Reuters Tankan Index for May, a key gauge of Japanese business confidence, will be due the same day.THURSDAY, May 21Japan will release several economic indicators on Thursday, including April trade data and March machinery orders.The country is expected to report a trade deficit of 29.7 billion yen for the month, reversing from a surplus of 667 billion yen in March, according to a Trading Economics consensus.New Zealand will similarly report its April trade balance, with analysts forecasting a trade surplus of around NZ$840 million, according to a Trading Economics consensus.Neighboring Australia will report labor data for April. Westpac expects unemployment to remain at 4.3%.Elsewhere, Hong Kong will report April inflation data while Macau will disclose first-quarter retail sales stats. In South Korea, the April producer price inflation data will be due.On the activity front, S&P Global will release flash purchasing managers' index reports covering May manufacturing, services, and composite activity in India, Australia and Japan.FRIDAY, May 22Japan's April inflation print will capture headlines on Friday, giving markets a look into how the energy shock from the Middle East conflict is impacting the economy.Economists at ING said energy effects may have a limited impact on growth but a greater impact on inflation, which is expected to clock in at 1.8% year on year in April -- up from 1.5% in March."Higher energy costs are expected to increase overall inflation. The impact, though, will likely be still less significant than that observed in other Asian and developed countries," ING said in a note.Inflation data will also be due in Macau.Meanwhile, Taiwan could see a marginal drop in its unemployment when it releases April labor stats. According to Trading Economics, Taiwan's jobless rate could go down to 3.3% from 3.35%.New Zealand is expected to see a "muted" rise in real retail sales when reporting its Q1 data, Westpac said in a preview. The bank expects a rise of 0.2% for the first three months of the year, versus the 0.9% growth recorded in the previous quarter. "The latter part of March saw fuel prices rising sharply, and that has been a drag on spending," Westpac said.Lastly, South Korea will release a report capturing consumer confidence for May. ING said it expects consumer sentiment to deteriorate further amid inflation hikes and energy headwinds.

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

Thailand Plans Overhaul of 7,000 Rules to Attract Foreign Investment

Thailand's government is planning to review over 7,000 ministerial regulations, aiming for reforms to encourage foreign investment by reducing hurdles to business operations, according to a government statement released Monday.Under the plan, numerous rules will be removed or revised to make investment in Thailand more attractive to multinational firms.The government is looking to modify its role from the controller to the facilitator, spokesperson N. S. Ratchada Thanadirek said in the statement.A digital system is also in the cards to help minimize redundant procedures, boost transparency, and reduce unnecessary discretion.The government is also pursuing the idea of a Super License which would cover many activities and eliminate the need for multiple permits for varying activities.

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International

Thailand's GDP Growth Quickens to 2.8% in Q1

Thailand's GDP grew at a faster rate of 2.8% in the first quarter from 2.5% in the prior quarter, according to the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council on Monday.Private consumption remained steady, rising 3.2%, supported by stronger spending on semi-durable and non-durable goods. Meanwhile, government spending increased 3.4%, accelerating from 1.3% in the fourth quarter, driven by higher purchases of goods and services and increased social transfers.Exports of goods and services expanded 12.6%, accelerating from 5.9% previously, while imports surged 21.1% from 9.5%. The external sector posted a surplus of 63.6 billion baht, comprising a trade deficit of 9.6 billion baht and a services surplus of 73.3 billion baht.On the production side, agriculture grew 1.2%, up from 0.6% in the prior quarter, while the non-agricultural sector expanded 3.0%, accelerating from 2.7% in the fourth quarter. Industrial output rose 1.8%, improving from 0.9%. The service sector increased 3.6%, slightly higher than 3.5% previously.Wholesale and retail trade expanded 6%, though slower than 6.7% in the previous quarter, the data showed.

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International

Fitch Sees Uneven Impact on APAC Finance Firms, Developed Markets More Resilient

Fitch Ratings said non-bank financial institutions in Asia-Pacific face uneven but broadly manageable risks from an energy shock linked to the US-Iran war, with developed markets expected to show greater resilience than emerging peers.The agency noted that higher fuel prices, imported inflation, softer demand and tighter funding conditions would weigh on finance and leasing companies, particularly in emerging markets. It added that currency weakness could further raise inflation and constrain monetary easing.Fitch warned that Vietnam and Thailand are more vulnerable due to faster fuel price transmission, riskier unsecured lending in Vietnam, and Thailand's already weak economic backdrop. India and Indonesia may also see higher funding costs as currency depreciation and inflation expectations push up interest rates, Fitch said.In contrast, China's leasing and asset management firms are expected to remain relatively stable, supported by controlled risk appetite and policy backing, despite property sector weakness.Developed Asia finance companies are seen as more resilient due to deeper funding markets and AI-related growth support, although SME exposure remains a key risk in some markets such as Taiwan, the agency said.

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International

Thailand Central Bank Sees Heightened Risks to Economy Amid Middle East Conflict Impact

Thailand's central bank decided to keep the current policy rate unchanged at 1% amid increasing uncertainty arising from the Middle East war, according to minutes from the Monetary Policy Committee meeting held April 24 and 29.The conflict in the Middle East has led to a significant rise in energy prices globally, a negative impact on the travel industry, and logistics issues, including shortages of raw materials. The Thai economy, along with other Asian economies, has been severely impacted due to a high dependence on energy and commodity imports from the Middle East, the minutes revealed.Under the baseline scenario in which the situation improves in the first half of 2026, the central bankers now expect Thailand's economy to expand at a slower pace of 1.5% and 2%, respectively, in 2026 and 2027, according to the minutes.Overall credit growth is also expected to remain subdued in 2026 as financial institutions remain cautious with lending.Headline inflation is projected to increase to an average of 2.9% in 2026, followed by a drop to 1.5% in 2027.The country's economy faces heightened risks due to the potential of prolonged war and continued supply disruptions.The committee believes the challenges arising from the war can be addressed through a coordinated policy mix, including monetary policy, fiscal policy, and targeted financial measures."The Committee maintained that consumption-based stimulus offered only transient economic support. Instead, policy should prioritize structural transformation and the preservation of fiscal space given the prevailing global uncertainty," the minutes stated.

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Asia

WCON Electronics to Invest $10 Million in Thai Unit

WCON Electronics (SHE:301328) will invest an additional $10 million in its Thai subsidiary.Proceeds will be used for factory and dormitory construction as well as fixed asset purchases, according to a Tuesday filing with the Shenzhen bourseThe subsidiary is currently in its factory renovation and equipment installation phase with no actual operations yet.Shares of the electronic connector producer closed 1% higher Wednesday.

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Asia

Market Chatter: ADB to Trim ASEAN Growth Forecasts as US-Iran War Drags On

The Asian Development Bank's (ADB) previous "early stabilization" scenario is no longer valid amid continued war in the Middle East, The Star reported Tuesday, citing ADB chief economist Albert Park's address to reporters.This prompts a revision of the earlier outlook, he reportedly said, as the conflict has stretched beyond initial expectations. Under updated projections, regional growth is now seen slowing to 4.7% in 2026 and 4.8% in 2027, while inflation forecasts have also been revised higher to 5.2% this year.Park warned that energy markets remain under pressure, with gas prices up around 30% and diesel rising even more sharply, while fertilizer costs have surged, raising risks for food and industrial supply chains. He also cautioned that prolonged disruption could keep oil prices elevated, with scenarios showing averages near $96 per barrel in 2026 and even higher in worst-case conditions, 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.)

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Asia

Thailand Approves 958 Billion Baht Projects Including TikTok Investment

Thailand gave a green light to six major investment projects worth 958 billion baht, with a plan by a local TikTok unit being the largest, according to a Wednesday statement by the country's investment board.TikTok System (Thailand) is launching an 842 billion ⁠baht project to expand data infrastructure by installing new servers and boosting data storage and processing capacity, the board said.Two of the other projects are also in the data center niche, with the remaining in the renewable energy, circular economy and resource-based industries.Additionally, a second batch of projects under the Thailand FastPass mechanism and aimed at strengthening electricity readiness and improving access to clean energy, was also approved.

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Asia

Market Chatter: Thailand Ends 25-Year Energy Exploration Agreement with Cambodia

Thailand ended a 25-year contract with Cambodia to jointly explore hydrocarbons in the Gulf of Thailand on Tuesday, Reuters reported the same day.The move reportedly came despite Cambodia's insistence to see the entire term of the agreement through.The termination had reportedly been anticipated for some time, and comes after armed clashes between the countries last year, according to the report.Thai Prime ​Minister Anutin Charnvirakul denied clashes along the border were the reason to scrap the contract and described it as "part of his policy" amid what he termed was a lack of progress after 25 years.Anutin had pledged to cancel the agreement as part of his election campaign which had him re-elected as premier.Cambodia's Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn conveyed disappointment over the move, Reuters 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.)

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US Markets

Asian Industry Sustains Expansion in April: PMI Report

Despite headwinds from Persian Gulf turmoils, Asia's business sectors largely expanded in April, led by the automobile industry, reported S&P Global on Wednesday."Output growth was recorded across 16 of the 18 monitored Asian sectors in April. This figure was up from 15 in March, as metals & mining production returned to growth," said S&P Global, citing its surveys of regional economies.Showing strength in April was the automotive industry. "Leading the rankings for the first time in nearly two years was the automobiles & auto parts sector. The pace of output expansion in the sector quickened to the steepest since May 2024 and was rapid overall," explained S&P Global.Among the broader categories, consumer products did generally well in April."Consumer goods outperformed the other six tracked areas, with growth also supported by strong and accelerated expansions in output across the beverages & food and household & personal use products segments," added S&P Global.The tech and industrial sectors followed consumer goods on the upside, while the slowest expanding sectors were basic materials, financials and healthcare.In contrast to the general regional expansion, the forestry & paper products and construction materials sectors experienced softening in April, reported S&P Global.However, Asian business managers also reported rising and accelerating costs of operation in April."On the prices front, the latest data indicated that cost burdens rose in 17 of the 18 monitored sectors in April. Notably, the majority of these saw expenses increase at a stronger pace than in March," said S&P Global.Of the 18 monitored industries, only banks and real estate lowered output charges, said the credit-rating agency.The Asia Sector PMI indices were compiled by S&P Global from surveys received from 6,000 Asian private-sector companies.

ASX 200^BSE^HNX^HOSEHang Seng^JKSEKOSPINikkei 225^NSE^SETShanghai CompositeTaiwan Weighted
Asia

Market Chatter: Thailand Cabinet Green Lights Up to THB400 Billion Loan

Thailand's cabinet has signed off on an emergency decree allowing the government to borrow up to 400 billion baht to cushion rising living costs linked to the Middle East conflict, the Nikkei Asian Review reported Wednesday.The move is set for parliamentary review next week under fast-track constitutional provisions, with the government citing risks of stagflation as justification, according to the report.Half of the funds will be directed toward subsidies for low- and middle-income households, farmers, and vulnerable groups, while the remainder is earmarked for longer-term reforms including renewable energy rollout and electric vehicle support. A finance ministry-led committee will oversee disbursement, Nikkei reported.The decision follows energy disruptions tied to tensions involving Iran, which have pushed up fuel and transport costs in Thailand, heavily reliant on Middle Eastern imports. Authorities have cut 2026 growth forecasts to 1.6%, while private estimates are even lower, warning of stagflation risks. Public debt now stands near 66% of GDP, its highest since the late 1990s.(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.)

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Asia

Market Chatter: ASEAN Leaders to Gather in Philippines as US-Iran War Pressures Region

Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are set to confront the widening economic shock of the Iran conflict at this week's summit in the Philippines, with inflation and supply disruptions taking center stage, Nikkei Asian Review reported on Wednesday.The talks will also cover the crisis in Myanmar and efforts to advance a South China Sea code of conduct. Attacks linked to the US-Iran war have choked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global supplies of oil and gas and leading to surging prices. Energy-importing economies such as the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam are facing rising costs and strained supply chains, prompting subsidies, shorter work weeks and emergency measures. reportedly.Analysts say ASEAN's calls for de-escalation have had a limited impact, leaving leaders under pressure to respond. Divisions persist over Myanmar policy, while long-running negotiations with China on a South China Sea code are unlikely to conclude soon amid competing priorities and geopolitical tensions, the Nikkei said.The 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings are taking place in Cebu, Philippines, from May 6 to May 8, 2026.(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.)

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International

Thailand's Inflation Rises 2.89% in April

Thailand's consumer price index rose 2.89% in April from a year earlier, versus an 0.08% decline in the month prior, the country's Commerce Ministry said Wednesday.The reading exceeded the 2.2% median projection in a Bloomberg survey of economists.Thailand's inflation picked up at its fastest pace since February 2023, marking the first return to the Bank of Thailand's 1% to 3% target band since February last year. Officials expect inflation to rise further to 3.06% in May and 3.27% in June, before peaking near 4.1% in October, Bloomberg News reported, citing a press briefing.Market reaction was muted, with the 10-year government bond yield inching up one basis point to 2.24%, while the baht held steady after gaining 0.6% against the dollar.Core inflation, which excludes selected food and energy items, rose 0.83% during the month, faster than 0.57% a month prior.

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Asia

Market Chatter: SouthEast Asian Rice Farmers Bear Brunt of Burgeoning Costs Amid Middle East Conflict

Rice farmers across South and Southeast Asia face mounting cost pressure ahead of the planting season as fertilizer prices spike, raising concerns over regional food supply, Nikkei Asian Review reported Wednesday.Fueled by geopolitical instability in the Middle East, urea prices climbed 18% in April after surging 54% in March. Benchmark urea prices hit $857 per ton in April, according to the World Bank, more than doubling from a year earlier and surpassing March's four-year high, the report said.This follows the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which disrupted exports from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The two countries account for roughly a third of global supply, according to the report.Higher input costs are forcing farmers to cut fertilizer use, risking weaker yields as the rice-growing season begins. With Asia heavily reliant on Gulf supplies, prolonged disruption could trigger shortages, while rising energy and transport costs may push overall production expenses up by as much as 80%, the Nikkei 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.)

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International

ASEAN Manufacturing Growth Slows to Nine-Month Low in April, S&P Global Says

ASEAN's manufacturing sector expanded at a slower pace in April, with growth easing to a nine-month low as price pressures intensified, according to data released by S&P Global on Tuesday.The S&P Global ASEAN Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 50.7 in April from 51.8 in March, marking the weakest reading since July but extending the current expansion streak to nine months.New order growth slowed to an eight-month low, while production growth eased further and moved close to stagnation. New export orders declined for a second straight month at the fastest pace since last July.Firms cut employment for the first time in eight months, while purchasing activity increased.On the price front, input cost inflation surged to its highest level since March 2022, while output prices rose at the fastest pace in 49 months, reflecting stronger cost pass-through by firms.Despite challenges and weak historical levels, business confidence stayed positive in April, with manufacturers expecting production to grow over the next year, the report said.

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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.

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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.)

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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.)

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