IOC president defends handling of Peng Shuai case, downplays effect of diplomatic boycott

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Amid lingering international concern over the safety of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach on Wednesday defended the organizations handling of her situation and dismissed suggestions that the IOC should take more aggressive action toward China as unnecessary and antithetical to its core stance of political neutrality.

Speaking to the international media for the first time since Shuai’s initial disappearance five weeks ago – and with Opening Ceremonies of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics less than eight weeks away – Bach said IOC officials who participated in a pair of video calls with Shuai in recent weeks came away with the same impression: “That we could not feel her being under pressure.”

“Of course, many people are saying there are suspicions here and there,” said Bach, speaking from a meeting of the Association of National Olympic Committees’ general assembly in Crete. “It’s very easy to have suspicions, but suspicions you can have about everything.”

Peng, 35, posted on social media on Nov. 2 alleging she had been sexually assaulted by a former top Communist Party official. While the post was deleted and references to the accusation censored by the Chinese government, Peng disappeared from public view for weeks, before resurfacing in state-media photos and videos, then later in the two video calls with IOC leaders – from which no video clips or transcripts were released.

The lack of transparency and independent corroboration regarding Peng’s whereabouts and well-being have fueled continued concern for her and widespread speculation she could not speak or move freely. In a move seen as being at odds with the IOC’s stance, the Women’s Tennis Association, which has been unable to speak with Peng, suspended all its tournaments in China.

On Wednesday, Bach said the IOC expects to have further communication with Peng, calling her situation “fragile” and stressing the organization’s support of her.

“We have achieved, I think so far, with these talks what we could reasonably be expected to achieve,” Bach said. “The most important human right is the physical integrity . . . We have been insuring [that] during these calls. And we will continue the calls, and we will continue the support.

“In such a fragile situation as Peng Shuai is in, you have to make all the efforts to build trust and to engage in a human relationship,” he said. “And this, as I think you can appreciate, is not easy in a video call. But [that] is why we said we want to keep in touch. We want to have other calls. And we want to keep supporting her, and in this way, being [assured] about her physical integrity as much as we can.”

International condemnation of China’s track record on human rights continued Wednesday, with Canada announcing it would join a growing list of countries – already including the United States, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand – participating in a diplomatic boycott of Beijing 2022, under which those countries’ athletes would be allowed to compete but top government officials would not attend.

Bach dismissed a question about the diplomatic boycott, saying, “The IOC has always been concerned with the participation of the athletes, and therefore we welcome the support for their Olympic team all of these governments have been emphasizing. This is giving the athletes certainty, and this is what the IOC is about.”

Pressed about underlying concerns about human rights fueling the diplomatic boycotts, Bach stood by the IOC’s guiding principle of political neutrality.

“If we were to start taking political sides, on one way or the other . . . this would be the politicization of the Olympic Games, and this, I would think further, could be the end of the Olympic Games,” he said. “In this divisive world, where the tensions are running high, if the Games would contribute to rising tensions, this would be absolutely contrary to our mission.”

Published : December 09, 2021

By : The Washington Post

Tiger Woods announces he will return to competitive golf next week

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Tiger Woods announced Wednesday that he will return to tournament golf for the first time since his February car crash at next weeks PNC Championship, an unofficial PGA Tour Champions event that features parent-child teams.

Woods will pair with his 12-year-old son, Charlie, just as he did at last year’s event. They finished seventh, five shots behind PGA Tour pro Justin Thomas and his father, Mike.

“Although it’s been a long and challenging year, I am very excited to close it out by competing in the @PNCchampionship with my son Charlie,” Woods wrote on Twitter. “I’m playing as a Dad and couldn’t be more excited and proud.”

The 36-hole tournament is scheduled for Dec. 18 and 19 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando. It will be televised by Golf Channel and NBC.

Late last month, Woods announced that his days as a full-time professional golfer are over after he suffered severe leg injuries in a high-speed crash Feb. 23 in Southern California. Woods suffered comminuted open fractures to the tibia and fibula in his right leg, which means both bones broke into at least three pieces and broke through the skin. He also suffered foot and ankle injuries and said amputation of the leg was “on the table.”

While Woods ruled out a full-time professional schedule, he said he anticipated playing in a few PGA Tour events.

“I think something that is realistic is playing the Tour one day – never full time, ever again – but pick and choose, just like Mr. [Ben] Hogan did. Pick and choose a few events a year, and you play around that,” Woods said, citing the golf legend who recovered from serious injuries suffered in a 1949 car crash to win six more major titles while playing a limited schedule. “You practice around that, and you gear yourself up for that. I think that’s how I’m going to have to play it from now on. It’s an unfortunate reality, but it’s my reality. And I understand it, and I accept it.”

Woods, who turns 46 on Dec. 30, declined to put a timetable on his return to the course, saying he didn’t know when he would be able to play at a Tour level. But he was optimistic that his return could indeed happen, though he didn’t “foresee this leg being ever what it used to be.”

“To ramp up for a few tournaments a year, there’s no reason I can’t do that and feel ready,” he said. “I’ve come off long layoffs and I’ve won or come close to winning. I know the recipe. I just have to get to the point where I feel comfortable that I can do it again.”

The PNC Championship is a stroke-play event played under the scramble format, in which both players from each team tee off and then decide which shot is best. The players then each hit their next shot from the spot where the selected drive lies, repeating that process until the hole is completed. As an unofficial event of PGA Tour Champions, the PGA’s circuit for players 50 and over, golf carts are allowed.

Woods has been spotted playing golf with his son as he recovers from his injuries. In announcing his future plans last month, the 15-time major winner said he could – in the short term – imagine himself playing low-stakes “hit-and-giggle” events, which aptly sums up the PNC Championship exhibition.

Published : December 09, 2021

By : The Washington Post

Are you ready for the era of metaverse?

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https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40009811


Metaverse Unlimited delivers two days of industry-led forum on key metaverse topics.

Metaverse Unlimited delivers two days of industry-led forum on key metaverse topics. Attendees have the opportunity to gain insights into the future of metaverse, get inspired by fresh ideas, and discover a new world where every imagination is a possiblity. Discover what Metaverse Unlimited has in store for you.

Leading industry experts from all over the world across various disciplines and industries to ensure the full immersion in the world of metaverse, the future of virtual economy and society. The forum will be broadcast live on Zoom, YouTube, Facebook Live and SMO live.

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.

SAVE THE DATE

December 15-16, 2021 at 8:00 – 11:00 PM. ( GMT+7 ) Bangkok

.

Broadcast via Zoom, Facebook Live, Youtube and SMO Live

Download SMO application at :

onelink.to/2bz7w3

.

Website : https://events.translucia.org

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/TransluciaMetaverse

Join Discord Community : https://discord.com/invite/s32FM3pr

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This conference is free and open to everyone around the globe.

See you there!

Published : December 09, 2021

Translucia Metaverse Hosts “Metaverse Unlimited”,a Global Forum with 10 Top Gurus

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https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40009810


Get set for a forum without limits on 15-16 December  

Dr. Jwanwat Ahriyavraromp, CEO and founder of T&B Media Global (Thailand), said: “T&B Media Global and its partners invite you to join the global forum that Translucia Metaverse has convened with local and international partners to share knowledge and experience in the Metaverse industry and forecast fascinating Metaverse technology and its role in our lives. We will explore how future changes will affect society, the economy, and lifestyles so that we can prepare for them, including endless opportunity. T&B Media Global has announced that it will create a Metaverse world called Translucia.”

This exclusive forum is honored with special guests. The forum will be officially opened by Ms. Cathy Hackl, known as the “Godmother of the Metaverse” and an acknowledged Metaverse expert from forums around the world. The consultant for leading global business and fashion brands entering the virtual world will present “New Entertainment and Beyond: Boundless Possibilities of Metaverse”. Her presentation will highlight how virtual worlds can enhance quality of life and generate income. She will also give guidelines for connecting the virtual world to today’s world.

The 9 other special guest speakers are top-level experts including Mr. D. Fox Harrell, Professor of Digital Media and Artificial Intelligence at MIT. He has researched gray scale games and conducted a study in the United States on the social and cultural impact of virtual identity.

Translucia Metaverse Hosts "Metaverse Unlimited",a Global Forum with 10 Top Gurus

Pat Pataranutaporn, or “PP”, is a leading Thai researcher on the world stage. He is the first Thai in 20 years to be selected as a Graduate Research Assistant in the MIT Media Lab, one of the world’s most innovative university laboratories, behind various inventions and ideas. PP is studying devices with NASA that help control substances and metabolic system in the body to give superhuman efficiency without special supplements or injections. His research interests include monitoring human biology during entry into the Metaverse. He has also consulted on film production projects for Netflix. PP is another star of the forum on the topic “Meta Me: Bio-Digital Symbiosis for Human Enhancement”.
Fans of director James Cameron’s Avatar will have a unique opportunity to meet Mr. Alain Chesnais, the data analytics and computer graphics specialist behind Maya 3D, the program used to create scenes in the movie. He is a team leader at top graphics company Alias/wavefront and won an Academy award in 2003. He is now a software engineering consultant for Amazon and leading technology companies for unveiling their technology roadmaps. Also, Ms. Jeanne Lim, Co-Founder & CEO of Being AI, will present on “Better with AI: the Positive Future of How Humans Interact with Technology”.
For forum’s second day will address social and economic dimensions of the Metaverse. Leading researchers such as Stanford University’s Mr. Jeremy Bailenson will examine how VR can enhance life with “VR for a Better World: How Virtual Experience Transforms Empathy, Environmental Conservation, Education and Health”.
Mr. David Bray, a strategy executive hailed by Business Insider as one of the leading Americans under 40, will reveal the strategic big picture on economic opportunities with “A Fireside Chat on How Metaverse Technologies Can Improve Lives, Communities, and Our Global Connections”. Ms. Ashley Casovan, an AI expert working for the World Economic Forum, will talk about creating rules in the virtual world.

This very special forum will conclude with a guest who has applied the Metaverse in his work as a celebrated architect. Mr. Shajay Bhooshan is from the global architecture studio Zaha Hadid Architects. He is the co-founder of ZHACODE, which created the Unconfined (2017) collection with a “Universal Everything” concept for Samsung focused on design, technology, and user experience. The unique digital setup live streamed at the Chicago Architecture Biennial in November. He will present “Designing for the New World: Urban Transformation in Metaverse and Beyond”. Thai student Saenawee Chatameteewong “Knot”, co-founder of Design Synthesis, will then talk about “Encoded Environment: How Computational Design Reimagines Architecture, Engineering, and Construction through the Metaverse”.
This special online forum is organized by Translucia Metaverse in collaboration with Tree Roots Entertainment Group, Wasabi Global Innovation Ventures, Creative Motion.
The event is supported by T&B Media Global (Thailand), Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC), Research & Innovation for Sustainability Center (RISC) by MQDC, Shellhut Entertainment. 
 

Published : December 09, 2021

By : THE NATION

TOA launches interior paint “Organic Care” highlighting Bio-Based Technology Innovation

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https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40009799


Mr. Jatuphat Tangkaravakoon Chief Executive Officer TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited or TOA revealed that from everyone who has to face the crisis of the epidemic of Covid-19 until now Make people’s lifestyle behaviors change from the original. From a new lifestyle of “New Normal” to “Now Normal”

Mr. Jatuphat Tangkaravakoon Chief Executive Officer TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited or TOA revealed that from everyone who has to face the crisis of the epidemic of Covid-19 until now Make people’s lifestyle behaviors change from the original. From a new lifestyle of “New Normal” to “Now Normal” that everyone has to adapt to live in the present as normal and happy along with health care Increased home living and environmental stewardship

However TOA As a manufacturer of paints and building materials Therefore, innovations have been developed to meet the needs of home security. and safety for the environment or the world where everyone lives, that is color “TOA Organic Care” Interior paint developed with Bio-Based technology, the first and only one in Thailand that has been certified by USDA, USA by TOA has developed this technology with the world’s leading chemical companies from the United States. by using plant-based components to develop to replace raw materials from petrochemicalTOA launches interior paint “Organic Care” highlighting Bio-Based Technology Innovation

It also provides excellent color film durability. And most importantly, it provides superior safety features. With a very mild odor, 0% VOCs volatile, non-allergenic according to the Australian Sensitive Choice standard, reduces formaldehyde in the air with Air Detoxify technology, passed the LEED V4.1 USA standard and green building standards. Therefore, it is safe for all life in the house and is also environmentally friendly. It also offers excellent quality, durability and wipeability. This is the commitment TOA Ready to create something better for everyone and the world.

In addition TOA also launched “Doctor Oak” Smith Arayasakul presenter of TOA Organic Care by Dr. Oak is a person who has knowledge and expertise in health They are also representatives of the family of the new generation who care about the quality of life of every life and environment. which is the same concept with products and brands TOA In addition, Dr. Oak also shared the story of safety for life and living in the house. Through a series of commercials, “Organic Living, Organic Care” to point out that it is not just food or utensils that everyone can choose for the best health benefits. But living in the house Everyone can make healthy choices too.

TOA launches interior paint “Organic Care” highlighting Bio-Based Technology Innovation

For the marketing direction of the product TOA that Mr. Nantaphon Boonlue Marketing Director TOA has said TOA We remain committed to innovation to deliver better things for consumers and the world. Throughout the past TOA has presented various innovations For example, being the first paint in Thailand to use paint technology that is free of heavy metals, mercury and lead that are harmful to the health of users. or being the first building paint in Thailand and in Southeast Asia to use it 100% pure acrylic water technology under the brand SuperShield or the introduction of automatic color mixing technology into Thailand. which has changed the color retail industry in Thailand to the present by the direction of product development TOA Will focus on product development and innovation in 3 areas: 1. Quality of use that must be better, more durable, more cost-effective for direct benefits to consumers, 2. Answering the problems of use (Pain point) of the house. Construction and various industries To cover more, 3. Develop existing and new products. for safety and sustainability for life and the environment

However, this is an approach that is an important goal that will drive the sustainability of the TOA towards consumers and the world at the same time

————————————————–

For more information, Please contact

Bussakorn Sukklub   Tel 065-954-6725 Email : bussakorn_s@toagroup.com

Worayoot Mannae   Tel 097-194-5463     Email :  worayoot@toagroup.com

Published : December 09, 2021

Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend

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https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/business/40009762


Stadium One, the country’s largest complete sports, wellness and lifestyle community centre, is expanding its project in line with the health business trend in the post-Covid-19 era.

Nowadays, people are more concerned about their health, which has raised the growth potential of wellness-related businesses.

According to the Global Wellness Institute’s data in 2018, the total wellness market worldwide was valued at US$4.5 million (THB151.5 million). The wellness businesses seen to witness significant growth were skincare, beauty and anti-aging products, fitness, health and weight-loss nutrition, wellness tourism and preventive and personalised medicine businesses. [1]

The health and wellness trend has become more popular among Thais. According to the Kasikorn Research Centre, there are almost 13 million people who exercise regularly, which resulted from an increased income rate, the higher average age of the population and health information that has become more accessible via online platforms. [2]

The main target group of the health-related market is found to be the Y and Z generations in the 15-40-years age group, which accounts for 24 million of the Thai population. The elderly group, who are more than 60 years old, comes in second with demand for products and services to help cure illnesses or help facilitate daily life. This group comprises more than 11 million.

As the health and wellness business sees a bright trend, especially among business districts in major provinces with high purchasing power, Stadium One, which has been a leading sports, wellness and lifestyle business since 2018, is the right answer for present health lifestyles.

Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend

• Stadium One’s potential

Stadium One is a destination for health lovers. With a budget of more than THB200 million, the complex is the country’s largest sports, wellness and lifestyle community centre.

The centre offers retail sportswear and equipment, specialised medical clinics, activity areas and fitness centres, including a number of popular street food outlets covering 10 rai in Chula Soi 6 on Banthat Thong Road.

Stadium One is under the management of The Sport Society Co, Ltd and was founded by three executives who are passionate about sports and wellness, with their vision to raise health awareness.

Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend

The key strength of Stadium One is its good location, which is only 350 metres from the National Stadium BTS station, with parking spots for more than 1,250 cars.

Six zones of Stadium One

1. The Sports Retail Zone, where leading sports brands worldwide are gathered in one place.

Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend

2. The Active Box Zone, a five-storey building that offers more than 5,000sqm of usable space with up to 24,000sqm of surrounding rental space. The building features international sportswear shops and exercise studios such as the Mizuno flagship store, and Australia’s Jetts Fitness, which is open all day, all night.

The Active Box Zone also includes a wellness zone with clinics that provide treatment for athletes and office-syndrome patients. There are health clinics – May Clinic for runners and Warrix Physiotherapy, which provides physical therapy at national athlete standards. The wellness zone also consists of other clinics providing beauty and skincare, dentistry, a caregiving centre for the elderly and chronic patients “Health at Home”.

Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend
Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend
Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend

Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trendStadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trendStadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend3. The One Arena Zone, a 2,000sqm multi-purpose area that can hold large-scale events and can accommodate up to 3,000 participants, is suitable for promotional events where there is plenty of well-ventilated, outdoor areas, which can curb the risk of virus infection.

Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend

4. The Café & Restaurant Zone, where café hoppers can hang out at Mont Nomsod, Lavita, Korean restaurant Sookdai, Hong Kong’s Ho Ho Kitchen and Took Pak Thai food restaurant.

5. The Relaxation Zone, which has hostels as well as massage parlours.

6. The Street Food Zone, which includes the 60-year-old legendary Sam Yan congee restaurant and Tang Sui Heng Pochana, whose dark duck noodles have won it the Michelin “Bib Gourmand” award for four consecutive years. The zone offers delicious meals in clean surroundings and at cheap prices with a spacious parking lot.

Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend
Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend
Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend
Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend
Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend
Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend
Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend

• Key strength for new entrepreneurs

After more than three years of being a leading expert in the health, wellness and lifestyle business, Stadium One is now ready to expand the complex to boost its potential.

Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend

Managing director Sittichai Srisanguansakul said the company has foreseen correctly that the health business would become trendy among Thais and would continue to grow. People tend to seek specialised clinics while the medical and sports science fields are continuously being improved, and Stadium One is the complete answer.

“The project has received good feedback since it was launched. The numbers of tenants and visitors have been satisfying, while many events have been organised in our semi-outdoor area, which is suitable for the current pandemic situation,” Sittichai noted.

He invited health and wellness entrepreneurs to become a part of the healthy society, as Stadium One is set to launch the newly expanded area by the year-end to boost its potential as a health and beauty expert.

Project executive director Thanomkiat Summavuthichai said Stadium One is a health lovers’ destination in the heart of the city, with its key strengths being accessibility and spaciousness on a 10-rai plot, while being the only sports, wellness and lifestyle community centre that is open 24 hours a day. The project’s entrepreneurs are therefore guaranteed more business opportunities.

“Stadium One is located next to the National Stadium and the area used to be a well-known source of sports equipment. We have gathered specialised clinics to promote the wellness lifestyle while having famous restaurants, including legendary street food outlets, which are tasty and clean at good prices. And most importantly, there are convenient parking spaces,” Thanomkiat said.

Another executive director, Natapak Rekijtisirikul, said that more than 17,000 service recipients are visiting the complex daily on weekdays while the number rises to 25,000 on weekends. He said visitors are usually those who work in the city.

Natapak also said the important factors that support Stadium One’s growth are the clear allocation of each business group and the well-rounded service provision. Meanwhile, the complex also helps entrepreneurs with marketing strategies to become more successful.

Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend

• Rates start at THB400 per square metre

Natapak said Stadium One has been supporting its entrepreneurs with market promotions both online and at physical outlets. He said there have been various types of events being held at the semi-outdoor area in the One Arena zone, such as a Warrix Sports brand exhibition to launch products for national teams, the Bangkok Marathon Expo, price reduction events and press conferences.

“The rental rate at Stadium One starts at THB400 per square metre, which is lower than rates at department stores nearby. Entrepreneurs can fully benefit by joining the complex,” Natapak said.

Those who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs to jointly propel a healthy lifestyle society can find more information at stadiumone.net.

Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend
Stadium One boosting its premier health and wellness business mission amid physical fitness trend

References

1. Wellness Tourism, the Challenges in the Health Tourism Business by Bangkok Bank.

2. “Health-Love Trend from Covid Creates Opportunities for SME Businesses”, K SME Analysis, Kasikorn Research Centre.

Published : December 08, 2021

Siam Piwat launches OneSiam app

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40009813


Siam Piwat, the owner and operator of Bangkok’s Siam Paragon, Siam Centre, Siam Discovery and Iconsiam shopping complexes, launched its “OneSiam” application on Thursday in a bid to provide an “extraordinary” experience for online customers, director and CEO Chadatip Chutrakul said.

She said the platform would link customers with the company’s domestic and overseas partners covering more than 13 industries, such as tourism, finance, insurance, medication, aviation and digital assets.

“This move is aimed at creating a global ecosystem to enable the company and its partners worldwide to grow together on a digital platform,” she said.

The app will provide customers four universes of experiences:

1. Universe of shopping experiences: products from over 1,000 premium and luxury brands are available on the platform.

2. Universe of co-created communities: over 3,000 pieces of content are ready to attract customers each month, such as lifestyle, healthcare, travel and sports.

3. Universe of infinite rewards: various loyalty programmes using Viz Coin are available to boost customers’ shopping experience both onsite and online.

4. Universe of unlimited experiences: next year, customers can use the application to perform transactions related to digital assets and utilities.

In addition, Siam Piwat is planning to cooperate with several experts in connecting the real world with metaverse to provide added shopping experiences to customers.

Published : December 09, 2021

By : THE NATION

Apple nears $3 trillion in market value

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40009774


After a decades-long run as one of the worlds best-performing stocks, Apple is on the verge of reaching $3 trillion in market value. Thats bigger than the entire German equity market. Or the U.K. economy.

The iPhone maker needs to rise just another 6% to become the first company to achieve the milestone, less than four years after it first surpassed $1 trillion.

“It’s a phenomenal achievement and highlights the incredible dominance of U.S. tech firms,” said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at Oanda. “And there’s so much still to come from Apple, which makes you wonder what milestone they’ll pass next and how big they can become.”

Apple became the world’s most valuable business thanks to a steady stream of products that have captivated consumers. Now, with markets wobbling because of concern that higher interest rates and the coronavirus will undermine economic growth, investors view the company as a relatively safe place to park their money thanks to its consistent sales growth and hefty cash balance.

Since the end of the 1990s, Apple shares have returned a whopping 22,000%, equal to about 28% a year. The S&P 500 has returned 7.5% annually in the same period. A few other tech stocks have done better — Nvidia, a maker of graphics-processing chips, has returned 31% annually, while streaming giant Netflix is up 39% a year since its 2002 initial public offering — but Apple dwarfs them both in size.

The iPhone maker opened 0.8% higher on Wednesday a day after jumping 3.5% boosting the Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 stock indexes. The Cupertino, California-based company trades at 30 times profit projected over the next 12 months, compared with an average of 22 times for companies in the S&P 500.

Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty argues the stock is undervalued when considering revenue contributions expected in coming years from new products like augmented and virtual reality and autonomous vehicles.

“Apple should benefit from a flight to quality especially as upside from new product categories gets priced in,” said Huberty, who raised her price target to a Wall Street high $200 on Tuesday.

It wasn’t always so: In late 2000, Apple had a market value of just $4.5 billion, and investors were fleeing the stock, which traded for almost the value of the cash the company had in the bank. Co-founder Steve Jobs had returned to the helm in 1997 but had failed to revive its fortunes, and the iPod and the iPhone were still off in the future.

Now, investors can’t get enough of the stock. In a sign that mom-and-pop traders are chasing Apple, short-term bullish call options saw extreme buying activity. Four of the 10 most-active options contracts on U.S. exchanges Tuesday were calls on the iPhone maker.

What’s more, its shares got another boost from a late-breaking Nikkei report that the company asked suppliers to ramp up iPhone output from November to January. That comes a week after a Bloomberg News reported that iPhone demand was slowing.

Apple “is kind of in that sweet spot of not being too expensive, having a nice mix of products and services, and being a great innovator across its entire product line,” said Tim Ghriskey, senior portfolio strategist at Ingalls & Snyder.

Published : December 09, 2021

By : Bloomberg

SET falls slightly after two days of gains

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40009814


The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) Index closed at 1,618.23 on Thursday, down 0.13 points or 0.01 per cent. Transactions totalled 69.71 billion baht with an index high of 1,623.82 and a low of 1,612.57.

The index slightly fell after rising by 0.56 per cent on Wednesday and 1.33 per cent on Tuesday. 

The 10 stocks with the highest trade value today were KBANK, JAS, CPALL, PTT, AOT, SCB, ADVANC, THANI, SCC and DELTA.

Other Asian indices were up with one exception:

  • Japan’s Nikkei Index closed at 28,725.47, down 135.15 points or 0.47 per cent.
  • China’s Shanghai SE Composite closed at 3,673.04, up 35.47 points or 0.98 per cent, while the Shenzhen SE Component closed at 15,147.88, up 183.41 points or 1.23 per cent.
  • Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index closed at 24,254.86, up 257.99 points or 1.08 per cent.
  • South Korea’s KOSPI Index closed at 3,029.57, up 27.77 points or 0.93 per cent.
  • Taiwan’s TAIEX Index closed at 17,914.12, up 81.70 points or 0.46 per cent.

Related stories:

Published : December 09, 2021

By : THE NATION

Baht advances as foreigners plough THB6.3 bn into short-term bonds

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https://www.nationthailand.com/business/40009788


The baht opened at 33.45 to the US dollar on Thursday, strengthening from Wednesday’s closing rate of 33.48.

The Thai currency is likely to move between 33.40 and 33.50 to the greenback during the day, Krungthai Bank market strategist Poon Panichpibool predicted.

Poon said that the market is in a risk-on state which causes foreign investors to invest in Thai assets. Foreign investors speculated that the baht will strengthen and bought the short term bonds for 6.3 billion baht total. This was the first time that foreign investors bought short term bonds after the Omicron spread.

Moreover, the baht is likely to strengthen because it did not weaken past the level of 34 to the dollar. Exporters selling the dollar also caused the baht to strengthen.

Poon said that the baht support level is at 33.40 to the dollar, which the importers are buying the dollar will cause the baht to not strengthen much. However, the baht will strengthen heavily if foreign investors are investing back in the baht.

Poon said that the currency market will be highly volatile in this period. Business operators should be cautious and use hedging tools to manage the risk.

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Published : December 09, 2021

By : THE NATION