RECAP: Asian stock markets rose and oil prices receded yesterday, boosted by optimism that the United States and Iran will reach a deal to end their war that has hobbled global energy supplies.The Thai exchange was volatile and consolidated on Friday as the semi-annual MSCI rebalancing was to take place at the close, ahead of the long weekend.
The SET index moved in a range of 1,545.63 and 1,581.74 points this week, before closing yesterday at 1.568.37, up 1.9% from the previous week, with heavy daily turnover averaging 76.52 billion baht.
Retail investors were net buyers of 1.11 billion baht, followed by foreign investors at 1.05 billion and brokerage firms at 403.42 million. Institutional investors were net sellers at 2.57 billion baht.
NEWSMAKERS: The US and Iran have reached a preliminary memorandum of understanding to extend their ceasefire for 60 days and start negotiations to permanently end the war. However, President Donald Trump has said he remains unsatisfied with an unofficial draft and that lifting sanctions will not be part of any deal.
The US economy expanded by just 1.6% year-on-year in the first quarter, down from an earlier estimate of 2%, primarily reflecting downward revisions to investment and consumer spending.
