ท่านสามารถอ่านและดาวน์โหลดเอกสารได้จาก Daily240103_T (1)Follow at a lower bound to continue climbing Market todayThe SET is stronger than expected in the short term, continuing to move up to a two-month high. Although the index did not show signs of weakening, investors should be wary of resting to reduce heat with a lower bound between 1415 and 1420. If the index does not break below, it is expected to continue to rise with next resistances at 1440 and 1450. Today’s highlights• The Cabinet has approved two measures to promote Thailand as a tourism and spending hub by reducing excise taxes on alcohol, wine, and services, and adjusting VAT refund criteria for tourists. Additionally, a permanent visa exemption between Thailand and China has been approved, starting from Mar 1, 2024. The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) expects 6-7mn Chinese tourists this year with a goal of 8mn. The TAT is expecting the Chinese New Year festival to be a turning point. • The Ministry of Tourism reports 28mn foreign tourists visited Thailand in 2023, generating Bt1.2tn in revenue. The top five countries of origin were Malaysia, China, South Korea, India and Russia. • The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce forecasts 3.2% GDP growth in 2024, excluding the digital wallet, with exports growing by 3% and inflation at 2%. Risks include a global economic slowdown, geopolitical conflicts, climate change and natural disasters. • The US Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for Dec came in below expectations, falling to its lowest since Aug 2023; construction spending in November rose 0.4%MoM but missed expectations. • Iran has sent its Alvand warship into the Red Sea following the US Navy's destruction of three ships belonging to the Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, escalating tensions in the region. • Apple Inc.'s stock price fell by 3% after Barclays downgraded its investment rating amid concerns over slowing iPhone 15 sales. • Tesla reported production of 1.85mn vehicles in 2023, an increase of 35% from 2023, with 1.81mn vehicles delivered, up by 38%.Strategy today In the short term, the Thai stock market is expected move sideways up but upside is limited and volume expected to be low as the market emerges from the year-end holidays and waits for new catalysts. Our strategy is selective buy.Trading todayWeekly portfolio: In the short term the SET is expected to able to move up, but upside is limited and trading volume will be low as the market is just coming out of long holidays and waiting for new catalysts. We recommend “selective buy” in themes with specific drivers: 1) Big-cap stocks in SET50 to be selected as investment targets as the TESG fund is set up. Our picks are classified into two groups: 1) companies with ESG rating of between “A” and “AAA” and whose price underperformed the SET last year – OR and AOT; and 2) companies with ESG rating of “AAA” that outperformed the SET last year with strong profit and dividend yield greater than 5% - PTT, KTB. 2) Stocks benefiting from declining bond yield – Commerce (BJC, CPALL and CPAXT), Healthcare (BDMS and BCH), Utilities (GULF), REIT (DIF), Property Development (AP) and Consumer Finance (TIDLOR). 3) Stocks that may be supported by short covering, up by 10% of trading value since Sep 23 and our recommendation – ADVANC and MINT. 4) Stocks benefiting from the e-refund measure allowing a personal income tax deduction on purchases of up to Bt50,000 between Jan 1–Feb 15, 2024 – CRC and HMPRO. In the short term we recommend being cautious on stocks that are expected to be materially affected by the planned rise in the minimum wage: Courier Services (KEX), Food (CPF, ZEN, GFPT and TU), Real Estate (LPN and PSH) and Electronic Components (HANA). In the medium term we recommend being cautious on stocks that are set to be affected by El Nino, which will erode purchasing power in the agricultural sector: Finance (MTC, SAWAD), Automotive (SAT, STANLY), Beverages (CBG has high sugar cost) and Food & Agriculture (CPF GFPT and BTG).Daily top picksKTB: 4Q23 profit is expected to grow by 27%YoY and be stable QoQ, supported by expanding NIM. 2023 profit is expected to grow 21%YoY. The bank is forecast to have the best NIM expansion and has lower quality asset risk than others in the sector. The stock is also listed on the SETESG Index with an “AAA” rating. BH: 4Q23 profit is expected to grow YoY but decline QoQ due to seasonal factors. 2023 core profit is forecast at Bt6.7bn (+36%), with profit is expected to grow at a more normal rate of 5% to Bt7.1bn (+5%) in 2024, as pent-up demand is released and healthcare services return to normal.Today’s reportsBank – Presentation Click here to read and/or download file Daily240103_E |