SE Asia Stocks: Thailand hits two-week high, others subdued
BANGKOK, April 19 – Thai stocks surged to a two-week high today led by banking shares but most other stock markets in the region ended flat or lower amid renewed concern over the debt crisis in the euro zone.
Foreign inflow of US$43.35 million (RM133.11 million) also helped boost sentiment on the Thai bourse with the bourse jumping 1.5 per cent to its highest since April 4. Both Siam Commercial Bank PCL and Kasikornbank PCL were among the big gainers.
But stocks in Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam fell. The Philippines, which hit a record high yesterday, edged down 0.3 per cent on profit taking, while Indonesia finished 0.1 per cent weaker with a foreign outflow of US$12.3 million.
Malaysia edged down 0.1 per cent, but foreign investors bought a net RM205.32 million (US$66.99 million) worth of shares from Kuala Lumpur. Vietnam, the region’s smallest market fell 1.1 per cent.
But Singapore ended 0.3 per cent higher to highest level since April 3. – Reuters
