Baht, stocks to weaken
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Political instability will be the key factor to influence the dollar/baht exchange rate and the Stock Exchange of Thailand index next week.
The Thai baht is expected to move in the range of 32.95-33.30 against the US dollar next week, according to Kasikorn Research Centre.
While the "Bangkok shutdown" must be closely monitored, some economic indicators in the US could also influence the exchange rate.
Asset Plus Fund Management senior fund manager Supongvorn Mianpoka sees the possibility that the SET index could fall to 1,200 points, due mainly to domestic political upheaval. On the worst-case scenario, it should not breach the 1,150 points. In the best-case scenario, restored political stability would not bring the index above 1,500 points, given poor economic indicators.
