Thailand’s SET50 Index extended its losing streak for a third straight session by midday Wednesday, slipping toward 1,038 and marking its lowest level since early October. Market sentiment softened after September consumer confidence retreated from a six-month high, while headline inflation climbed to a five-month peak of 2.82%. Even so, gains in U.S. stock futures helped cushion the decline as investors evaluated the latest round of corporate earnings.
On the domestic policy front, Bangkok last week approved a THB 50 billion housing loan program aimed at helping low- and middle-income households achieve homeownership. The initiative is also intended to stimulate broader economic activity, with authorities estimating it could generate up to THB 125 billion in property-related output.
By sector, industrial services, energy, and transport stocks led the downside, more than offsetting advances in communications, consumer durables, and financials. Among the notable decliners, Delta Electronics dropped 4.1%, while Kiatnakin Phatra Bank fell 2.6%, Banpu slipped 1.4%, and Bangkok Bank eased 1.1%.