Krungsri Securities (KSS) expected Thailand’s SET Index to move within the range of 1,380-1,395 points with a positive sentiment from regional markets that rose in response to declining US bond yields. A buying pressure in stocks with unique catalysts would help push the index higher. However, slower oil prices and concerns over Fed’s rate cuts could pressure fund flows and fluctuate the market.
Japan’s economy contracted 0.4% in the fourth quarter, compared to a year ago, and after a revised 3.3% drop in the third quarter ended September 2023.
The fourth quarter reading was may below expectations of 1.4% growth by a Reuters poll.
On a quarter-to-quarter basis, Japan’s economy also contracted 0.1% in the fourth quarter and after a slump of 0.8% in the third quarter. It was also weaker than a 0.3% expansion expected by economists.
TSMC rose more than 10% for the most in more than three years after Morgan Stanley lifted its target price about 9%, citing demand for the growing AI segment.
Taiwan TAIEX Index rose 3.5% to a record high intraday with a push from TSMC and other stocks as the market reopened after the Lunar New Year.
