Thai share prices closed 1.54 percent higher on Tuesday as the latest US economic indicator lifted hopes for a near end to rate hikes, dealers said. They said the Thai market also rose in line with gains in regional markets. The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) composite index jumped 10.54 points to 694.52, while the blue chip SET 50 index gained 8.27 points to 485.19.
Gainers led losers 226 to 101 while 92 stocks were unchanged on trade of 2.1 billion shares worth 13.6 billion baht (360 million dollars). The Thai baht on Tuesday closed to a one-month high of 37.87-97 against the dollar due to a spike in capital flows. The Thai unit closed at 38.06-09 Monday. Against the euro, the Thai baht finished at 48.45-70 from 48.58-63.
"Foreign and institutional investors bought shares amid easing concern over rising US interest rates," said a market analyst at Prudential Siam Securities. Dealers said slowing growth in the US manufacturing sector in June boosted hopes among investors that the Federal Reserve would unlikely raise interest rates further in the face of a moderating US economy.
In late June the US central bank hinted at a pause in interest rate rises following its two-day monetary policy meeting. The Fed lifted its base rate a quarter-point to 5.25 percent in a widely expected move.
Thailand's top energy firm PTT rose 6.00 baht to 240.00 and its subsidiary PTT Exploration and Production gained 2.00 to 112.00. The kingdom's biggest lender Bangkok Bank rose 3.00 to 105.00 and Kasikorn Bank, the third-largest bank, added 1.00 to 60.00. Thai Airways International gained 1.00 to 40.50, while Thailand's top mobile operator, Advanced Info Service (AIS), was flat at 90.00.
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