Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Thailand’s economy likely experienced slower growth in Q1 2025 due to muted private investment, softer household spending, and a decline in Chinese tourist arrivals, according to a Reuters poll of 20 economists. The Southeast Asian nation is projected to grow 2.9% year-on-year for the January–March period, down from 3.2% in Q4 2024. Forecasts ranged from 2.2% to 3.8%.
On a quarter-over-quarter basis, GDP is expected to grow a seasonally adjusted 0.6%, slightly above the 0.4% gain in the previous quarter. Despite the drag from investment—down 1.6% in 2024—exports have remained a key growth driver, thanks to a rush to ship goods ahead of possible U.S. tariffs. Private consumption has also continued to grow steadily.
According to the Bank of Thailand, subdued domestic demand and weaker Chinese tourism were offset by stronger exports and increased government spending. The central bank recently cut its policy rate by 25 basis points for a second consecutive time to boost the economy.
Markets strategist Poon Panichpibool from Krung Thai Bank noted that low business confidence continues to weigh on investment. Meanwhile, Thailand faces potential U.S. tariffs of up to 36%, although officials are optimistic about negotiating a trade deal that would standardize tariffs at around 10%, similar to Vietnam’s terms.
Economists are also tempering their outlooks, with April’s survey lowering Thailand’s 2025 growth forecast to 2.1%, down from 2.9% in January. This remains slightly above the Bank of Thailand’s 2.0% and the IMF’s 1.8% projections.
Thailand’s official Q1 GDP figures will be released on May 19.
