The Thai benchmark index shared in the gains of stock markets across the region. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index closed the morning session at 28,539.74, up 335.05 points - or 1.19 per cent - from Wednesday. Tokyo’s Nikkei index began the lunch break at 21,609.08 points, up 75.6 points for a gain of 0.35 per cent from Wednesday. Singapore’s
Straits Times finished the morning session at 3,353.81 points, up 13.39 points - or 0.4 per cent - from the previous day.
The gains in Asia were attributed to the reports that US Federal Reserve, under chief Jerome Powell, is likely to cut the benchmark interest when it meets at the end of this month.
The reports have caused the US dollar to weaken, which in turn has strengthened the baht and equity markets in Asia.
The gold futures price is also rising. KGI Securities (Thailand) Plc said on Thursday it believes this will reach US$1,415.40 per ounce in August.