The Latest Breaking News from ASPS

The analysis department of Asia Plus Securities (ASPS) expects the eight commercial banks it covers to report a combined net profit of 54 billion baht in the first quarter of 2023, up 34% from three months earlier thanks to net interest income (NII) growth and reduced operating costs.

RECAP: Asian shares came under pressure yesterday after lingering banking stability concerns gripped Wall Street, while bond markets bet that recent rate hikes by central banks will be among the last of the cycle, allowing for policy relief later in the year.

China's reopening, continued inflows of foreign funds, and anticipated spending for Thailand's national election scheduled for early May should put the Thai stock market in the spotlight in the first half this year, according to analysts.

Global interest rates are projected to reach a ceiling later this month as inflation fears have eased and several central banks are starting to worry about the impact of aggressive monetary policies on the global economy, says Tisco Securities.

The slowing of the Chinese and European economies is expected to continue driving foreign funds to flow into Thailand, where an economic recovery is projected, says Asia Plus Securities (ASPS).

Market analysts believe all telecom operators should benefit from a merger of True Corporation and Total Access Communication (DTAC), although the looming lawsuit against the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission's (NBTC) decision to endorse the deal could delay its completion, which is expected in January next year.

Retail, tourism and construction stocks are likely to benefit from cabinet approval this week of 17 billion baht in spending to stimulate the economy, says Asia Plus Securities (ASPS).

Businesses have mixed reactions to the new daily minimum wage hike finalised by the cabinet on Tuesday as they deal with a raft of economic challenges.

Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), Thailand's oldest lender, is viewed as an outstanding stock to watch given its fintech business expansion and high-yield lending services, according to Asia Plus Securities (ASPS).

Asia Plus Securities (ASPS) has upgraded its profit forecast for listed companies in 2022 to 1.13 trillion baht as it is expecting Thailand's economic growth rate will continue to expand in the second half.

Second-quarter net profit of listed companies hit an all-time high of 320 billion baht, with energy, refining, banking and consumer goods sectors recording notable earnings, prompting analysts' expectations that the whole-year profit could exceed one trillion baht.