Thai Stock Market Gains Amid Global Concerns and Fed Decision

The Thai stock market saw modest gains as the SET index finished higher. However, global forecasts look soft ahead of potential rate changes. Investors should monitor the outlook post-Fed announcement and trade policy concerns.

Date: 19-03-2025

AI Rating: 5

Market Performance Overview
The Thai stock market has experienced a slight recovery, moving higher in two of the last three trading days following a decline. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index increased by 5.97 points or 0.51 percent, closing at 1,176.17. However, this comes amidst a broader negative sentiment in global markets, particularly influenced by U.S. trade policies and the pending Federal Reserve rate announcement.

The sectors contributing to the day’s gains include consumer, finance, resource, service, and technology. Despite the positive closing, the market faces expectations of turning lower as global cues suggest a downturn, especially following the underwhelming performance of U.S. markets.

Sector Performance
Among active stocks, there were mixed results. Positive movers included Advanced Info (up 1.54%) and CP All Public (up 2.54%). Conversely, notable declines were seen in Asset World (down 2.13%) and SCG Packaging (down 4.29%). This divergence indicates a cautious sentiment among investors.

Global Market Influence
The negative lead from Wall Street, where major indices like the Dow and NASDAQ posted significant losses, is likely to influence Thai investors. Concerns about the ramifications of trade policies, alongside worries regarding economic forecasting, are weighing on market confidence.

Interest Rate Outlook
Traders are closely monitoring the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions and accompanying statements, which are anticipated to provide clarity on future monetary policy direction. Although no changes to rates are expected, the nuances in communication could affect market sentiment significantly.

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