RECAP: Most Asian stock markets fell sharply yesterday, with equity benchmarks in Japan and Taiwan falling as much as 6%, as a global rout in technology stocks accelerated. The resumption of US-Iran hostilities and higher oil prices also dented sentiment.Thai stocks traded sideways on Friday, escaping the broader Asian rout. Analysts say that while sentiment on global tech stocks is fragile, the Thai economic and investment recovery story is still intact.
The SET index moved in a range of 1,606.27 and 1,639.87 points this week, before closing yesterday at 1,639.04, up 1.1% from the previous week, with daily turnover averaging 85.82 billion baht.
Foreign investors were net buyers of 8.52 billion baht, followed by brokerage firms at 2.08 billion. Retail investors were net sellers of 6.11 billion baht, followed by institutional investors at 4.49 billion.
NEWSMAKERS: President Donald Trump said US forces would target key Iranian infrastructure next week if a diplomatic breakthrough is not achieved. Iran warned that it would "crush" key targets in the Mideast if Trump's threats are carried out.
World oil prices remained elevated in response to renewed tensions, with Brent trading around $84.30 a barrel on Friday, and West Texas Intermediate at $79. Both benchmarks have climbed nearly 12% this week.
