Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
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Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
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Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
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Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Thailand's Economic Growth Projections for 2025
Thailand's economy is poised for a 3% growth in 2025, building on an expected 2.7% growth in 2024, according to the finance ministry. This positive trend is fueled by robust private consumption, exports, investments, and a thriving tourism sector.
In 2023, Thailand's economy expanded by a modest 1.9%. However, recent forecasts indicate a significant rebound, especially after the Bank of Thailand's unexpected interest rate cut aimed at stimulating economic activity. Pornchai Thiraveja, head of the finance ministry's fiscal policy office, emphasized the importance of monetary policy in supporting economic expansion, noting, "There is limited fiscal space... to grow at 3.5%, we must consider quasi-fiscal measures."
The ministry anticipates GDP growth in the third quarter of 2024 will remain below 3%, but forecasts an acceleration to over 4% in the final quarter. Despite concerns about the baht's strength against the dollar impacting export competitiveness, it is projected to average between 34.8 and 35.4 per dollar this year, and between 32.7 and 33.1 next year.
Tourist arrivals are expected to reach 36 million in 2024 and 39 million in 2025, nearing the record of nearly 40 million visitors in 2019. Exports are projected to grow by 2.9% this year, exceeding previous forecasts, with a further increase to 3.1% in 2025. Additionally, the Finance Ministry and the Bank of Thailand have agreed to maintain an inflation target of 1% to 3% for the upcoming year.
