US markets have started to rest, meaning the SET is also likely to rest and is expected to be range-bound. The upper bound is at resistance between 1435-1440, limiting the index, while the lower bound is at 1420. A break below would be a negative sign and usher in more downside with the next support at 1415. |
• The FOMC minutes from Dec 12-13, 2023 shows that committee members expect to step down interest rates in 2024, but the timing remains unclear. Market concerns about the Fed's interest rate direction grew as US 10-year government bond yields surged past 4% following a signal of further rate hikes by Richmond Fed President Thomas Barkin. • Brent oil contracts rose by 3.1% due to Libya closing its Sharara oilfield amid worker protests; increased tensions in the Middle East and the Red Sea are expected to push prices up further. • The BoT announced new regulations for retail loans and vehicle title loans in which it bans banks and non-bank institutions from charging interest, penalties or other fees for early debt repayment to encourage faster debt repayment and promote greater competition among lenders. • The Thai National Shippers' Council forecasts a recovery in Thailand's export leading index in 2024 with growth of 4% in exports and a rise in global trade growth from 0.8% to 3.3% as the US brings interest rates down. • The Ministry of Energy said it wants a restructuring of the energy sector to allow private companies to use natural gas from the Gulf of Thailand at average prices, leading to a permanent reduction in electricity costs by Bt0.115/unit. • The Prime Minister of Thailand presented the draft FY2024 budget totaling Bt3.48tn. The budget adheres to the government's fiscal discipline and shows an efficient use of taxpayers' money. |
Weekly 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 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 and 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-Receipt program 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). |
ADVANC: Although 4Q23 core profit is expected to decline QoQ due to high season for marketing expense, core profit is expected to rise YoY on higher revenue following improving tourism. The 3BB-JASIF deal is expected to benefit in the long term. The stock is listed on the SETESG Index with an “AAA” rating. PTTEP: In the short term the company will benefit from increasing crude oil price from disruption at Libya’s top oilfield and higher tension in the Middle East. It expects 4Q23 and 2024 sales volume to increase 2-3%QoQ and 10%YoY, respectively. The stock is also listed on the SETESG Index with an “AAA” rating. |