Thailand’s SET Index closed at 1,401.46 points, increased 3.66 points or 0.26% with a trading value of 29.88 billion baht. The analyst stated that the Thai stock market exhibited a sharp increase during the afternoon trading session, following the window dressing activities. However, the analyst anticipated the upside to be limited while the trading volume was low ahead of the New Year festival.
The analyst expected the Thai market to trade narrowly next week, potentially showing some stock speculation activities.
Thailand’s manufacturing sector faced a notable setback in November as factory output dropped by 3.58% compared to the previous year. This decline significantly surpassed analysts’ predictions.
The manufacturing production index slumped more than anticipated, falling short of the 0.50% decrease forecasted in a Reuters poll. This downturn follows a less severe annual drop of 0.91% in October, indicating mounting challenges for the sector.
China’s industrial profits continued their downward trend for a fourth consecutive month in November, falling by 7.3% year-on-year. This ongoing decline highlights the limited impact of Beijing’s stimulus efforts on stabilizing corporate earnings.
Tokyo’s core consumer price index (CPI), which strips out volatile fresh food prices, surged 2.4% year-on-year in December, slightly below the 2.5% expected by the market. This follows a 2.2% increase in November.
Japan is set to spend a historic $730 billion in the next fiscal year, with plans approved by the cabinet on Friday. Despite this, the country is managing to limit reliance on new bonds to a 17-year low, buoyed by unprecedented tax collections.
Russia has rejected the immediate ceasefire proposed by US President Donald Trump despite the nearly three-year-long conflict and significant loss of lives, arguing that such a ceasefire would not lead to lasting peace, claiming that Ukraine would only use it to strengthen its military.
