Foreign Investment Returns to Thai Markets Amid Speculation of Rate Cuts
Net inflows into Thailand's bond market surpass 40 billion baht in May, with foreign investors also showing renewed interest in the stock market
Thailand has seen a resurgence of foreign investment in its bond and equity markets.
The bond market experienced net inflows of over 40 billion baht in May, with nearly 100 billion baht entering the market year-to-date.
This influx is attributed to short-term investments aimed at arbitrage between the Thai baht and the US dollar, as well as speculation on potential interest rate cuts by the Bank of Thailand due to persistently low inflation.The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) index has also seen significant activity, with net foreign buying reported recently.
This surge in investment has pushed the SET index above 1,200 points and substantially increased trading volumes.
The stability of the baht, with potential for short-term appreciation, has attracted some foreign investors seeking to speculate on exchange rate gains.Expectations that the Federal Reserve will begin cutting interest rates have contributed to a weaker dollar, making the Thai market more attractive.
Additionally, Thai bonds are viewed as low-risk and highly liquid, particularly government bonds with investment-grade ratings.
These factors, combined with access to hedging tools for managing foreign exchange risk, make Thailand an appealing destination for foreign capital seeking diversification.The country's bond market offers compelling returns, even as policy rates decrease.
The yield on Thai bonds remains attractive on a risk-adjusted basis, especially for medium-to-long-term maturities.
Several Thai corporate bonds offer high coupon rates, further boosting investor interest.In the equity market, signs of recovery are evident, supported by resumed US-China trade negotiations and a rise in oil prices.
This upswing benefits the Thai bourse, where many listed companies are linked to energy prices.
Foreign investors have accumulated stocks in various key companies, indicating a growing confidence in the Thai market.