SET closes at new 19-year high

At mid-day, the SET index gained 11.46 points or 0.70 per cent to 1,639.42 points, the highest in 19 years. Turnover was brisk at Bt27.7 billion. The index gained further in the afternoon session, to end the day at 1,643.40 points.

 

The optimism continued though the National Economic and Social Development Board today revised down the 2013 economic growth forecast from 4.5-5.5 per cent to 4.2-5.2 per cent. 

Yet, according to data from DBS Vickers Securities (Thailand), Thailand's listed companies showed the 13.5 per cent increase in quarterly earnings. Their combined net profits in the first quarter reached Bt244 billion. Among all stocks, those in the securities sector showed the highest year-on-year earning growth, at 222 per cent, thanks to the increase in average daily turnover in the stock market.