Thai stocks nudge up amid signs of US recovery #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30404171

Thai stocks nudge up amid signs of US recovery

EconMar 26. 2021

By The Nation

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index closed at 1,574.86 on Friday, up 3.82 points or 0.24 per cent. Total transactions amounted to Bt74 billion with an index high of 1,580.74 and a low of 1,566.89.

In the morning session, Krungsri Securities expected the day’s index to fluctuate between 1,560 and 1,580 despite positive sentiment from US figures showing jobless claims had fallen to their lowest level during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Krungsri Securities said the falling oil price amid uncertainty over a new wave of Covid-19 in Europe and India, plus volatility in fund flows, would pressure the index.

The 10 stocks with the highest trade value today were ACE, OR, BANPU, AOT, HANA, STA, KTC, DELTA, ADVANC and TRUE.

Other Asian indices were on the rise:

Japan’s Nikkei Index closed at 29,176.70, up 446.82 points or 1.56 per cent.

China’s Shang Hai SE Composite Index closed at 3,418.33, up 54.74 points or 1.63 per cent, while Shenzhen SE Component Index closed at 13,769.68, up 348.52 points or 2.60 per cent.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index closed at 28,336.43, up 436.82 points or 1.57 per cent.

South Korea’s KOSPI closed at 3,041.01, up 32.68 points or 1.09 per cent.

Taiwan’s TAIEX Index closed at 16,305.88, up 245.74 points or 1.53 per cent.

Thai stock market highest fundraiser for companies in Asean #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30404161

Thai stock market highest fundraiser for companies in Asean

EconMar 26. 2021

By The Nation

The Thai stock market has the highest fundraising value among Asean countries in the first quarter of this year, the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) said on Friday.

Dr Soraphol Tulayasathien, SET senior executive vice president and head of corporate strategy division, said Thailand’s fundraising as of February this year was Bt46.1 billion (US$1.48 billion), followed by Indonesia Bt5.96 billion ($192 million) and Malaysia Bt497 million ($16 million).

In the first quarter of this year, five companies launched initial public offerings (IPOs) with market capitalisation of Bt217.41 billion at IPO price.

Of those companies, PTT Oil and Retail Business (OR) and Rojukiss International (KISS) were listed on the SET, while Jakpaisan Estate (JAK), TQR and President Automobile Industries (PACO) were listed in the Market for Alternative Investment.

Manpong Senanarong, SET senior executive vice president and head of issuer and listing division, said up to 30 companies, property funds, real estate investment trusts and infrastructure funds are expected to be listed in the Thai stock market this year.

“Of these, 10 companies are ready to raise funds in the stock market, while eight companies are filing their documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC],” Manpong said.

Manpong expected Thai stock market capitalisation this year to be similar to the previous year of Bt555 billion.

Kongkiat Opaswongkarn, Asia Plus Group Holdings chief executive officer, said four companies with the securities company’s support — Asset Wise (ASW), Mena Transport (MENA), NSL Foods (NSL) and Proen Corp (PROEN) — had received approval from the SEC to launch their IPOs.

“Three of these companies are expected to launch their IPOs in the first half of this year, and one company in the second half,” Kongkiat said.

Falling oil price, new Covid-19 wave expected to pressure SET #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30404154

Falling oil price, new Covid-19 wave expected to pressure SET

EconMar 26. 2021

By The Nation

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index rose by 3.13 points, or 0.20 per cent, to 1,574.17 in the morning session on Friday.

A Krungsri Securities analyst expected the index to fluctuate between 1,560 and 1,580 despite positive sentiment that US jobless claims had fallen to the lowest level during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said the falling oil price amid uncertainty over the new Covid-19 wave in Europe and India, plus volatility in funds flows would pressure the index.

He recommended that investors buy:

▪︎ EA and GPSC, which will benefit from news that Thailand will stop sales of fossil fuel vehicles by 2035 and go solely for electric vehicles.

▪︎ HANA, KCE, TU and CPF, which benefit from the weakening baht.

▪︎ ICHI, SAPPE, RBF, DOD, IP, TACC, GUNKUL, KISS, ZIGA and PTG, which benefit from positive news on hemp production and its general use.

▪︎ ADVANC, INTUCH and DTAC, which pay high dividends.

The SET Index closed at 1,571.04 on Thursday, up 0.21 points or 0.01 per cent. Total transactions amounted to Bt93 billion with an index high of 1,580.17 and a low of 1,571.04.

Gold holds firm in Thailand despite sell-offs in global market #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30404152

Gold holds firm in Thailand despite sell-offs in global market

EconMar 26. 2021

By The Nation

The price of gold was unchanged in morning trade on Friday from Thursday’s close, the Gold Traders Association reported.

As of 9.32am, the buying price of a gold bar was Bt25,450 per baht weight and selling price Bt25,550, while gold ornaments were priced at Bt24,998.84 and Bt26,050, respectively. The price had risen by Bt50 per baht weight compared to opening trade on Thursday.

Spot gold price rose to US$1,727 (Bt53,821) per ounce after falling by $8.1 to $1,725.1 on Thursday due to the strengthening dollar and mass sell-offs of safe-haven assets in response to strong US labour statistics.

Hong Kong gold price dropped by HK$30 to $16,020 (Bt64,267) per tael, the Chinese Gold and Silver Exchange Society reported.

U.S. stocks climb while oil falls amid Suez block #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30404139

U.S. stocks climb while oil falls amid Suez block

EconMar 26. 2021

By Syndication Washington Post, Bloomberg · Claire Ballentine

U.S. equities gained as investors weighed the outlook for vaccinations, economic growth and inflation. Oil tumbled after a rally spurred by the blockage of the Suez Canal.

Banks and transportation companies led gains on the S&P 500 Index, and Boeing Co.’s plan to resume delivery of its 787 Dreamliners this week lifted the plane maker. An index of small-cap shares gained more than 1% as President Joe Biden announced a new goal of administering 200 million coronavirus vaccine doses in his first 100 days in office. Nike Inc. fell on concern it risked a boycott in China.

U.S. 10-year yields held steady after an auction of seven-year notes. Poor demand at last month’s sale helped trigger a global sell-off in government debt and interest-rate sensitive stocks.

U.S. equities are churning just below record highs as investors assess the latest progress and setbacks in the fight against covid-19 amid concerns that a surge in economic growth could fuel inflation. Data Thursday showed a bigger-than-forecast drop in weekly jobless claims.

“The markets are stuck in a lull where they are still taking some direction from the move in interest rates,” said Megan Horneman, director of portfolio strategy at Verdence Capital Advisors. “At this point we’re trying to get some more news globally that will be the next catalyst.”

In Europe, stocks edged lower, with concern over lockdown extensions and vaccine hiccups keeping cyclical shares on the back foot. The Polish zloty slumped to its weakest level since 2009 on growing concern that a worsening pandemic will delay this year’s economic recovery and put a strain on the budget.

West Texas Intermediate crude fell below $60 a barrel, after adding almost 6% Wednesday. Tugs and diggers are trying to dislodge the ship stuck for a third day in the Suez Canal, a critical waterway for trade.

Elsewhere, Bitcoin fell as much as 6.7%, reaching the lowest intraday price since March 15.

These are some of the main moves in financial markets:

Stocks

The S&P 500 Index rose 0.5% as of 4 p.m. EDT.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index fell 0.1%.

The MSCI Asia Pacific Index fell 0.1%.

The MSCI Emerging Market Index declined 0.8%.

Currencies

The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index rose 0.1%.

The euro slipped 0.3% to $1.1774.

The British pound gained 0.4% to $1.374.

The Japanese yen weakened 0.4% to 109.12 per dollar.

Bonds

The yield on 10-year Treasurys rose one basis point to 1.62%.

Germany’s 10-year yield fell three basis points to -0.39%.

Britain’s 10-year yield sank three basis points to 0.73%.

Commodities

West Texas Intermediate crude fell 4.5% to $58.44 a barrel.

Gold fell 0.5% to $1,726.76 an ounce.

Thais can go without cash for up to 8 days as digital payment usage rises: Visa #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/biz-moves/30404110

Thais can go without cash for up to 8 days as digital payment usage rises: Visa

Mar 25. 2021Suripong Tantiyanon - Visa Thailand Suripong Tantiyanon – Visa Thailand

By THE NATION

More than four in five Thais (82 per cent) have tried going cashless, on average succeeding at living for more than a week (8 days) without using cash, the Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes study showed on Wednesday.

The pandemic has also prompted non-users to choose contactless payments over cash, with these payments being most used among first-timers at 26 per cent, followed by contactless cards (23 per cent) and QR code (21 per cent).

“Over recent years there has been a steady increase in people using digital payments, and the events of the past year have only accelerated the progress,” Visa Thailand country manager Suripong Tantiyanon said.

“This is evident throughout the world and here in Thailand. We believe these consumer preferences are not temporary and are here to stay.”

According to the study, the top three benefits of a cashless society are it helps in restricting the spread of infection (61 per cent), it means no more queues at banks (60 per cent) and it enables people to track financial records easily (59 per cent).

When it comes to awareness, Thai consumers are most familiar with QR code payments (94 per cent), followed by mobile contactless payments (92 per cent) and contactless cards (89 per cent). In terms of usage, mobile contactless payment is the most used among all types of contactless payments at 45 per cent, followed by QR code (42 per cent) and contactless card (41 per cent).

Thais believe the pandemic has accelerated the time it will take for the country to become a cashless society with payment innovation playing an increasingly important role in people’s daily lives.

In the current circumstances, they believe a cashless society could be a possibility by 2026, whereas before the pandemic respondents thought this wouldn’t be possible until 2030, the study showed.

“This year will be a year of recovery despite the persistence of uncertainty. It is essential for businesses to ensure they are prepared to meet changing consumer demands as they become more familiar with alternative payment methods,” Suripong added.

Tesla now accepts Bitcoin as payment for cars, Musk Says #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30404094

Tesla now accepts Bitcoin as payment for cars, Musk Says

CorporateMar 25. 2021

By Syndication Washington Post, Bloomberg · Katrina Nicholas

Having stunned the market with its audacious bet on Bitcoin earlier this year, Tesla Inc. will now start accepting the world’s largest electronic currency as payment for its electric cars.

Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk on Wednesday tweeted that “you can now buy a Tesla with Bitcoin” and that paying by Bitcoin will also be available to customers outside the U.S. later this year. He added that Tesla will only use internal and open-source software and that any Bitcoin paid to the company will be retained as Bitcoin and not converted to a fiat currency.

California-based Tesla disclosed its $1.5 billion investment in Bitcoin in February and signaled its intent to begin accepting the cryptocurrency as a form of payment at the time, sending prices to a record. The world’s leading EV maker made the Bitcoin bet after updating its investment policy in January to allow it to buy digital assets.

Tesla’s embrace of the cryptocurrency fuels a debate over whether longer-term investors such as corporate treasurers, family offices and insurers will seek exposure to the digital token. While prominent Wall Street figures have come out in support of Bitcoin, there are big challenges for any companies following suit by adding virtual coins to balance sheets.

“Tesla and other companies are showing that crypto is here to stay, and its mainstream adoption is only going to increase,” said Simon Peters, analyst at investment platform eToro.

In addition to lending increased legitimacy to electronic currencies, Musk’s embrace of Bitcoin fits his maverick image. The billionaire has often tweeted about cryptocurrency-related topics and recently called Bitcoin “a good thing” in an interview. Dogecoin, the once tongue-in-cheek digital currency, also soared to records in February after Musk, rapper Snoop Dogg and Kiss bassist Gene Simmons tweeted about it.

SET levels out amid Covid fears in Europe #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30404127

SET levels out amid Covid fears in Europe

EconMar 25. 2021

By The Nation

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index closed at 1,571.04 on Thursday, up 0.21 points or 0.01 per cent. Total transactions amounted to Bt93 billion with an index high of 1,580.17 and a low of 1,571.04.

In the morning session, a Krungsri Securities analyst predicted the SET Index would fluctuate between 1,560 and 1,580 points despite positive sentiment over a rising oil price.

The index would be under pressure from the fresh outbreak of Covid-19 in European countries and volatility in fund flows, he predicted.

The 10 stocks with the highest trade value today were OR, GPSC, EA, ADVANC, SAWAD, TRUE, KBANK, PTT, SCC and DELTA.

Other Asian indices were mixed:

Japan’s Nikkei Index closed at 28,729.88, up 324.36 points or 1.14 per cent.

China’s Shang Hai SE Composite Index closed at 3,363.59, down 3.47 points or 0.10 per cent, while Shenzhen SE Component Index closed at 13,421.16, up 13.82 points or 0.10 per cent.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index closed at 27,899.61, down 18.53 points or 0.066 per cent.

South Korea’s KOSPI closed at 3,008.33, up 11.98 points or 0.40 per cent.

Taiwan’s TAIEX Index closed at 16,060.14, up 28.02 points or 0.17 per cent.

Digital advertising industry booming despite Covid-19 fallout #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30404123

Digital advertising industry booming despite Covid-19 fallout

EconMar 25. 2021

By The Nation

With the arrival of the digital era, many businesses have stopped depending on mainstream media like television, radio or newspapers to publicise their products.

Last year, the already affected advertising industry was hit even harder by the arrival of Covid-19. With the economy in a bad shape, many brands stopped placing ads in traditional media altogether in 2020.

Digital advertising, however, remained unaffected.

A recent report from the Digital Advertising Association (Thailand) or DAAT shows that businesses spent Bt21.16 billion on online advertising last year, marking an 8 per cent growth year on year.

Chanchai Pongsanan, head of digital investment at Dentsu Aegis Network in Thailand, however, said growth in online advertising was limited because businesses have not just been hit by the fallout of Covid-19 but also the massive slump in tourism.

Rajsak Asawasupachai, a business director at IPG Mediabrands Thailand, said digital advertising has done well in Thailand because the outbreak was brought under control early. Since the number of Covid-19 cases has not shot through the roof in Thailand, brands are still spending money, especially those in the automobile, food and beverage and retail industries.

Also, he said, the food delivery business contributed greatly to the growth.

Online shopping has seen up to Bt1.02 billion circulate in the system, up by 13 per cent from 2019, after retailers like supermarkets, convenience stores, hypermarts and even speciality stores began launching online promotions.

The highest online ad revenue last year came from the automobile industry, which spent 3 per cent less at Bt2.71 billion; non-alcoholic beverages, which spent 36 per cent more at Bt1.99 billion; telecommunications, up by 25 per cent at Bt1.98 billion; skincare products, up by 7 per cent at Bt1.92 billion; and dairy products, up by 41 per cent at Bt1.72 billion.

DAAT predicts spending on online ads will rise this year, with the automotive industry expected to spend 7 per cent more or Bt2.91 billion; non-alcoholic beverages Bt2.21 billion up by 10 per cent; skincare products Bt2.15 billion, up by 11 per cent; telecommunications Bt2.14 billion up by 7 per cent; and Bt1.85 billion for dairy products, up by 7 per cent.

Last year, the sectors that fell from the list of top 10 big spenders online were banking and real-estate.

Platforms that made the most from advertising last year were Facebook, YouTube and shared ads launched by creative companies. However, creative companies are expected to lose out to other social media platforms when it comes to advertising revenue this year.

Shares in battery makers soar after 1m EVs targeted by 2025 #SootinClaimon.Com

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/30404120

Shares in battery makers soar after 1m EVs targeted by 2025

EconMar 25. 2021

By The Nation

The price of electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturer stocks skyrocketed on Thursday after the National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee set a target of more than 1 million EVs on the roads by 2025.

In the morning session, the price of Energy Absolute (EA) shares rose by 6.38 per cent to Bt62.75 per share, Global Power Synergy (GPSC) rose by 3.70 per cent to Bt77.00, Banpu rose by 1.65 per cent to Bt12.30 and Banpu Power (BPP) rose by 3.68 per cent to Bt19.70.

A research analyst at Asia Plus Securities said shares in EV battery makers were buoyed by the committee’s target of 1,055,000 EVs by 2025 because the manufacturers can generate more profit thanks to government support.

He said GPSC shares at Bt82 were good value as the price had potential to rise further based on the company’s fundamentals.

“Even if GPSC’s battery business doesn’t generate significant profit in the short term, the company’s power plant business can generate sustainable profits in the long term,” he said.

He added that investors can speculate for short-term profit from EA at a fair value of Bt54 per share, Banpu at Bt10.50, BPP at Bt16, and BCPG at Bt13.