RECAP: Asian markets fell yesterday as optimism that had fuelled earlier buying gave way to nervousness ahead of a US jobs report that could determine Federal Reserve rate hike plans.
Soft US economic data earlier had led to a belief that the US central bank could slow down its strict tightening. International politics also intensified, both in the Korean Peninsula and Russia, adding to global uncertainty.
Domestically, Thailand's economy is recovering, with second-half GDP growth expected to be at least 3.6%. Inflation is slowing down and the central bank sees no need to hike interest rates too aggressively. Asia Plus Securities sees the SET Index rebounding, led by stocks benefiting from the economic recovery and a rebound in tourism, as well as banking plays.
