Earnings plays are expected to feature heavily in the near term as SET-listed companies start to report their first-quarter results. A downbeat surprise, however, could send equities down.
External factors, including ongoing concern about financial institutions, a possible slowdown in US interest rate increases and developments in Ukraine, as well as the long holidays in Thailand, might also put downward pressure on the market.
However, investors locally are looking forward to the May 14 election and the spending boost that campaign seasons typically bring.
On the earnings front, banks, as usual, will take the lead reporting their first-quarter results. Upbeat results will bode well for the Thai bourse, but performances short of expectations could lead to a selloff.
Elsewhere, the US Federal Reserve is widely expected to slow the pace of rate hikes as signs emerge…
