Thailand's Bourse Eyes Further Gains Amid Cautious Global Optimism

The Stock Exchange of Thailand has demonstrated sustained momentum, with the benchmark rising above the 1,260-point milestone following consecutive sessions of gains. Observers anticipate additional upside on Friday, though profit-taking activity and declining crude oil prices may act as headwinds. The global market environment remains cautiously optimistic—European indices showed mixed results while U.S. equities advanced—suggesting Asian markets could see moderate appreciation.

Market Performance: Broad-Based Rally Across Multiple Sectors

Thursday’s trading session reflected solid buying interest across the board. The SET index climbed 17.09 points, translating to a 1.37 percent increase, finishing at 1,261.39. Trading activity spanned a range between 1,236.86 and 1,262.83, with substantial volume of 7.864 billion shares valued at 44.226 billion baht. The breadth of the advance was notable—352 stocks closed higher against 133 that declined, while 176 remained flat.

Food and industrial equities led the charge, alongside strength in property, resource, service and technology names. Among the notable gainers, SCG Packaging exploded with a 7.89 percent surge, while Krung Thai Card skyrocketed 7.86 percent. Energy Absolute vaulted 3.03 percent on the back of sector-wide momentum, while B. Grimm accelerated 3.01 percent. Bangkok Dusit Medical gained 2.78 percent and Siam Concrete spiked 2.97 percent. BTS Group delivered an impressive 4.90 percent climb, benefiting from infrastructure-related optimism.

Wall Street Extends Rally, Supporting Asian Sentiment

The positive backdrop from U.S. markets provided support for regional indices. The Dow Jones advanced 292.81 points or 0.60 percent to 49,442.44, while the NASDAQ added 58.27 points or 0.25 percent closing at 23,530.02. The S&P 500 rose 17.87 points or 0.26 percent to 6,944.47. The underlying catalyst was Taiwan Semiconductor’s strong showing, with the chipmaker surging 4.4 percent after posting significantly higher fourth-quarter profits and announcing expansive capital expenditure plans that reinvigorated confidence in the artificial intelligence sector.

Additional support came from a Labor Department report revealing that first-time jobless claims unexpectedly declined, easing concerns about the U.S. labor market.

Oil Prices Under Pressure, Profit-Taking Risk Remains

A key headwind emerged as crude oil valuations deteriorated sharply. With U.S.-Iran tensions easing temporarily, West Texas Intermediate crude for February dropped $2.83 or 4.56 percent to settle at $59.19 per barrel. This decline may cap further appreciation in oil-sensitive equities and could trigger some consolidation in the broader market.

Investors should remain vigilant regarding profit-taking dynamics, which could limit upside once momentum wanes. The confluence of positive earnings surprises and labor data may be offset by energy sector weakness and risk-off positioning.