Equities: Markets react positively to Jackson Hole
Global equities snap losing streak on “growth” comments by Powell. Major global equity indices experienced a positive week ended 25 August. This was on the back of sanguine comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell at Jackson Hole on the strength of the US economy. Global equities gained 0.5% for the week (ended 25 August), with DM and EM rising 0.5% and 0.7% respectively.
US equities were largely in the green as Powell’s comments on robust consumer spending and early signs of recovery in the housing market helped strike a tone of optimism among investors. The S&P and Nasdaq notched weekly gains of 0.8% and 2.3% while the Dow slipped marginally (-0.4). Europe’s stock market also traded slightly higher for the week; the FTSE 100 and Stoxx 600 gained 1.0% and 0.7% respectively. Asia equities were mixed for the week; property sector woes saw the SHCOMP fall 2.2% for the week while buoyant inflation numbers helped the Nikkei-225 register a 0.6% gain during the same period.
Topic in focus: Thailand - Political clarity impact. After a three-month post-election impasse, Thailand has a new Prime Minister. Besides reducing domestic uncertainty, this development is anticipated to improve the business environment and sustain post-pandemic economic recovery. While Thailand's recovery has lagged regional counterparts, the country's positive Consumer Confidence Index and expanding private consumption, driven by tourist arrivals, offer positive indicators.
The Consumer Confidence Index increased for the 13th consecutive month to hit a 40-month high in June 2023. With the accelerating growth of international tourist arrivals, we expect the Index to continue to improve. Total international tourist arrivals amounted to 12.9m people in 1H23 and is on track to meet the Bank of Thailand (BOT)’s target at 29m in 2023. Tourist numbers from China can be expected to accelerate in 2H23 following the easing of restrictions on group travel.
Our preferred sector plays are beneficiaries of recovering domestic consumption and tourism and medical tourism plays. The focus is on leaders possessing strong cashflow generating capacities and positive earnings outlooks with solid balance sheets and reasonable valuation in their respective industries.
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