Latest news with #StockExchangeofThailand
Bangkok Post
16 hours ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Analysts predict tariff of 19-20% on Thai goods
Investors are eagerly monitoring the upcoming US decision on import tariffs for Thai goods, as analysts anticipate a rate in line with regional peers of 19-20%, but not exceeding 25%. Koraphat Vorachet, head of research at Krungsri Securities (KSS), said global trade sentiment improved recently. A breakthrough trade deal between the US and Europe helped ease pressure, with the US agreeing to a 15% tariff rate in exchange for US$750 billion in European gas imports and $600 billion in investment. US President Donald Trump also signalled that global tariff frameworks should not exceed 15-20%, lifting confidence among global investors. "KSS sees a 25% tariff ceiling for Thailand as a potential strategic upside for Thai exporters and foreign direct investment in the country," said Mr Koraphat. A top sector to watch this week is energy, helped by rising oil prices and improved trade sentiment, noted the brokerage. Crude oil prices have rebounded by 2.36% in response to an improved trade outlook, supporting Thai energy stocks, which account for around 10% of total market capitalisation on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). The chemical industry is also showing signs of recovery from a 20-year low, with share prices long trading below tangible book value, noted KSS. Analysts believe the sector may be entering the early stages of a "super-cycle", with PTT Global Chemical (PTTGC) flagged as an undervalued candidate in the commodity chemicals space. Supported by the extension of the US-China tariff freeze, Chinese stocks are in play, while banking may benefit from predictions the Federal Reserve will hold rates steady at its mid-week meeting, said the brokerage. Meanwhile, dividend stocks such as Advanced Info Service (ADVANC) are favoured for stable income returns, according to KSS. The Thai-Cambodian ceasefire significantly eased regional tensions, paving the way for a recovery for stocks with business exposure in Cambodia such as Carabao Group (CBG), which stands to gain from improved trade prospects and a stronger baht. According to Daol Securities, the full details of the US-Thailand tariff framework are expected to be disclosed later this week, the final week before the Aug 1 deadline. "A favourable outcome would likely align Thai tariffs with those of the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam, in the 19-20% range," said the brokerage. InnovestX Securities said the US-China agreement to extend the existing tariff freeze before its expiration on Aug 12 is a positive, with China pledging stricter controls to curb excessive price-cutting. Capital flows have begun shifting away from bonds and into equities amid growing optimism about global trade and continued strong corporate earnings, especially in artificial intelligence-related sectors, said the brokerage. InnovestX shared the consensus view that Thailand will likely reach a trade deal with the US, with tariffs in line with regional peers. Additional tailwinds include expectations for a rate cut by the newly appointed Bank of Thailand governor. While a prolonged Thai-Cambodian conflict could present some downside risks, InnovestX believes any economic impact on Thailand would be limited.
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Analysts wary of border standoff
Analysts recommend avoiding Thai stocks that have significant exposure to Cambodia and suggest investors monitor the border situation as it could escalate and subsequently affect the economy. If the conflict can be contained quickly, the investment impact is likely to be limited, with technical support for the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index expected at 1,190 points, they said. "So far, the effect on Thai listed companies' earnings is considered modest," Bualuang Securities (BLS) said in a research note. Companies with more than 5% of their revenue from Cambodia were mainly energy drink producers, while those with 1-5% exposure include hospitals, energy firms and construction materials companies. Retailers and banks have an exposure of less than 1%, according to the brokerage. Carabao Group (CBG) has more than 10% of revenue or profit derived from Cambodia, while Osotspa (OSP) and Siam City Cement (SCCC) have 5-10% exposure. Stocks with 1-5% exposure include hospital groups, namely Bumrungrad Hospital (BH), Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS) and Bangkok Chain Hospital (BCH). Other companies with this level of exposure are cinema operator Major Cineplex Group (MAJOR), food producer Betagro (BTG) and those in the petrochemical and energy sectors, comprising Bangchak Corporation (BCP), IRPC, Star Petroleum Refining (SPRC), Thai Oil (TOP), PTT Global Chemical (PTTGC), Siam Cement (SCC) and oil retailers such as PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR). Other firms with Cambodian operations that face a limited impact based on revenue of less than 1% are CP All, CP Axtra (CPAXT) and Berli Jucker (BJC). Major banks with branches in Cambodia, including Bangkok Bank (BBL), Kasikornbank (KBANK), Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) and Krungthai Bank (KTB) are also considered to have a minimal level of exposure. Utility firm Power (BGRIM) was mentioned by BLS for its investment-type business model. Piriyapon Kongvanich, a strategist at BLS, said the impact from the Thai-Cambodian border conflict remains limited, citing the 2011 armed conflict near the Preah Vihear temple area that was confined to a specific zone and did not escalate. "The current episode is unlikely to expand beyond the border area due to Thailand's stronger military capacity," he said. "Cambodia may be escalating the issue to bring it before the International Court of Justice, suggesting political rather than military motives." From a macroeconomic perspective, Cambodia accounts for roughly 3% of Thailand's total exports. The top five export categories include gems and jewellery, refined oil, sugar, beverages and chemicals. Oil and natural gas exports to Cambodia made up only 0.4% of total exports last year. Maybank Securities (Thailand) expects the ongoing border tensions to have a limited effect on the Thai economy, despite straining diplomatic ties, partial border closures and potential trade disruptions. The situation could affect international relations and cross-border commerce if prolonged, Maybank noted. In the tourism sector, Cambodian tourists comprise 1.6% of total arrivals, a figure that has been declining since 2023. Cambodia contributes a relatively small share of labour in Thailand's construction sector, suggesting minimal immediate impact, noted the brokerage. "The conflict is expected to have a limited effect on listed companies' earnings, though some stocks with direct exposure to Cambodia may experience negative sentiment pressure," noted Maybank.
Bangkok Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Baht falls from highest since 2022 on conflict with Cambodia
Thailand's baht fell after touching the highest in more than three years on the escalating conflict with its neighbor Cambodia. The local currency fell 0.3% to 32.29 per US dollar on Thursday after touching 32.11 earlier, the strongest since February 2022. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index slid about 1%. The baht had surged more than 6% this year on growing optimism over trade negotiations, the return of foreign stock inflows and near-record high gold prices. Thai fighter jets hit two Cambodian army posts near their disputed border on Thursday, as troops clashed in multiple locations in an escalation of tensions between the two nations. 'The escalating border conflict is giving investors a reason to book some gains after the Thai baht has appreciated,' said Lloyd Chan, currency strategist at MUFG Bank. The conflict could put a pause in baht's rally this year. Sentiment was boosted earlier after Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said on Tuesday the nation is close to an agreement with the US to lower a threatened 36% tariff on its goods ahead of the Aug 1 deadline and expects a rate closer in line with regional neighbours. The baht's gain is putting pressure on authorities to curb its strength to protect the nation's economic drivers of tourism and exports. 'Bank of Thailand will continue to watch for any excessive volatility,' said Christopher Wong, senior foreign-exchange strategist at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation in Singapore. A break of the resistance level at 32 to 32.1 baht per dollar may add more tailwind to the currency, he said. Thailand's foreign-exchange reserves climbed to a record $263 billion earlier in July, partly as officials stepped up their intervention to slow the baht's appreciation. Easing tensions between two of Thailand's largest trade partners — the United States and China — are also soothing investor worries. Global funds have poured a net $345 million into Thai equities in July, on track for the first monthly inflow in 10 months. On Wednesday alone, global funds poured in $139 million into stocks, the largest single-day inflow in 10 months. The baht is also underpinned by near-record high gold prices, given the country's status as a major trading hub for the precious metal in Asia.
Bangkok Post
23-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
SET approves THAI's return to trading from Aug 4
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has approved the reinstatement of Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) on the main trading board from Aug 4, following a long debt restructuring process. THAI was flagged for potential delisting after its 2020 financial statements showed negative shareholders' equity. Since then, the national carrier has completed a bankruptcy court-approved debt restructuring process to rectify its financial position and meet all criteria required to resume trading. As part of the reinstatement process, the airline has submitted a formal request to the SET for the removal of the delisting alert and to resume trading. It has agreed to comply with the Silent Period regulation, which restricts strategic shareholders from selling 55% of paid-up capital for a period of one year. The SET has consequently removed the 'SP' (suspension) and 'NC' (non-compliance) signs on THAI securities and will allow trading to resume under the Services Industry Group, Transportation and Logistics Sector, starting on Aug 4. Investors and shareholders were advised to review THAI's latest disclosure and financial summary via the SET information system. On the first day of trading, THAI shares will not be subject to the usual ceiling and floor price limits, dynamic price bands or auto-pause mechanisms. These measures will be reintroduced on the following trading day, once the shares are actively traded. In addition, THAI shares will be included in the SET Index calculation starting the next business day after trading resumes.
Bangkok Post
22-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
MINT Honoured as Tourism Sector Leader 2025
Demonstrating exceptional performance and resilience in the tourism industry, Minor International PCL (MINT) has been recognised as the Best Public Company of the Year 2025 in the Tourism sector at the prestigious Money & Banking Awards 2025. The award, presented to companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand and the Market for Alternative Investment (MAI), honours excellence in business operations, management practices, and sustainable growth potential. Mr Dillip Rajakarier, Group Chief Executive Officer of MINT, accepted the award on behalf of the company, marking a significant milestone that reinforces MINT's industry leadership. The accolade reflects strong investor and stakeholder confidence in the company's long-term vision and continued adaptability in a challenging market landscape.
