Trump’s Tariffs Shake Global markets: Thai Stocks Brace for Impact
The global stock market is reeling after President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose tariffs on key trading partners, sparking fears of a renewed trade war. on February 1, 2025, Trump signed off on a 25% import tax on goods from Canada and Mexico, alongside a 10% levy on Chinese imports. This move has sent shockwaves through international markets, with analysts predicting significant volatility in the weeks ahead.
according to Tree Nirese Securities, the Thai stock market is expected to face initial downward pressure in February. mr.Natcha Mekma Sin, Assistant Managing Director of the Securities Analysis Department at Tree Nirese Securities, stated, “The Thai stock market in February is expected that SET Index has the opportunity to adjust down at first.” This adjustment comes as a direct response to the escalating trade tensions, which have already prompted retaliatory measures from Canada, mexico, and China.
The situation escalated rapidly, with Canada and Mexico preparing to impose their own tariffs on U.S. imports, while China is set to file a petition with the World Trade Association (WTO). Thes countries are critical suppliers of fuel to the U.S., making the trade dispute especially contentious.
Despite the turbulence, certain sectors in Thailand are poised to weather the storm. The Oil & Gas group is expected to benefit from rising crude oil prices, while the Domestic Play group, including banks and retail, could see a rebound after recent declines. Mr.Natcha highlighted, “The adjustment of the SET index in the first part of the month shoudl be supported by the Oil & Gas group, which has a positive sense from the higher crude oil price.”
Strategists are advising investors to focus on domestic-focused stocks, such as banking and retail, as well as large-cap companies with strong fundamentals. The SET Index is projected to find crucial support in the 1270-1280 range, offering a potential buying opportunity for savvy investors.
Key Takeaways:
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways:
- SET Index Hits Critical Support Level: A Buying Opportunity Amid Trade War Concerns
- Key Takeaways: Media and Politics in the Trump Era
- Exploring the Media’s Role in the Trump Era: An In-Depth Interview
- Q: How did the polarization of the voting public impact the media landscape during Trump’s presidency?
- Q: What were the key challenges journalists faced while covering Trump’s administration?
- Q: How did the book “News after Trump” portray the media culture during this period?
- Q: What lessons can be drawn from the media’s role in shaping political narratives during the Trump era?
- Conclusion
| Factor | Impact |
|————————–|—————————————————————————|
| Trump’s Tariffs | 25% on Canada/Mexico, 10% on China; sparks global trade tensions |
| Retaliatory Measures | Canada, Mexico, and China prepare tariffs and WTO petitions |
| Thai Stock Market | Initial downward pressure; Oil & gas and Domestic Play groups to rebound |
| Investment Strategy | Focus on domestic stocks like banks, retail, and strong large-cap shares |
As the trade war unfolds, investors are urged to stay vigilant and consider strategies that mitigate risk while capitalizing on emerging opportunities. The global market’s response to these tariffs will likely shape economic trends for the remainder of 2025.
SET Index Hits Critical Support Level: A Buying Opportunity Amid Trade War Concerns
The SET Index has reached a crucial support level this month, hovering around 1270-1280 points, its lowest since the subprime crisis. With a Price-to-Book value (PBV) of just 1.22X, this valuation presents an attractive entry point for investors. Analysts recommend focusing on Domestic Play stocks, which are relatively insulated from the ongoing trade war tensions.
key Risks to Monitor
While the current support level offers a compelling opportunity, several risks could impact the market in the coming weeks:
- Prolonged Trade war: The extended trade war could reignite fears of inflation, possibly delaying the Bank of Thailand (BOT)’s anticipated interest rate cuts.
- Q4 Earnings Reports: Disappointing Q4 earnings announcements may trigger another market downturn.
- Institutional Selling Pressure: The SET’s transition to a Free-Float Adjusted Market Cap Weighted Index could lead to increased selling by domestic institutional investors.
- MSCI Weight Reduction: A potential reduction in MSCI’s weighting of Thai stocks may result in short-term foreign investor sell-offs.
Investment Themes for February
Investors are advised to focus on three key themes this month:
- Retail Stocks: Companies like CPALL, which benefit from the Easy E-Receipt initiative and the resurgence of foreign tourism, are poised for growth.
- Undervalued Large-caps: Stocks such as BDMS, LH, MINT, and OR are trading at historically low valuations, making them attractive buys.
- Banking Sector: Banks like SCB, KBANK, and BBL could see gains if the Free-Float Adjusted market Cap Weighted Index gains traction.
Summary Table
| Key Points | Details |
|————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| SET Index Support Level | 1270-1280 points, PBV of 1.22X |
| Primary Risk Factors | Prolonged trade war, Q4 earnings, institutional selling, MSCI weight cuts |
| Recommended Investment Themes | Retail, undervalued large-caps, banking sector |
| Top Stock Picks | CPALL, BDMS, LH, MINT, OR, SCB, KBANK, BBL |
Strategic Insights
The current market conditions present a unique opportunity for investors to capitalize on undervalued stocks while navigating potential risks. By focusing on domestic Play groups and monitoring key risk factors, investors can position themselves for long-term gains.
For more updates on the SET Index and global market trends, stay tuned to InfoQuest News Agency.
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This article is based on exclusive data from InfoQuest News Agency (03 Feb 68).The presidency of Donald Trump marked a seismic shift in the political and media landscape,reshaping how journalism operates in an era of heightened polarization and populism. During his tenure, the media environment became a battleground, with Trump’s unorthodox communication style and the rise of right-wing populism challenging traditional journalistic norms.
A key factor in Trump’s rise was the polarization of the voting public, which created fertile ground for his populist messaging. As political identities hardened,the media found itself navigating a fractured audience. This environment, coupled with global political trends, enabled a right-wing populist movement to gain traction, further complicating the role of journalism in maintaining democratic discourse [[1]].
The shorenstein Centre on Media, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School highlighted the challenges journalists faced in covering Trump’s governance. the 2016 election and its aftermath forced the press to grapple with questions of objectivity,bias,and relevance. As one seminar noted, “the role of the press in covering President-elect Donald Trump’s forthcoming administration” became a central concern, with journalists striving to balance accountability with the need to avoid amplifying misinformation [[2]].
News After Trump, a comprehensive analysis of the media landscape during this period, portrays a culture in transition. The book examines how various actors—from Trump himself to small-town newspaper editors—used their cultural power to shape narratives. It argues that journalism’s relevance was increasingly questioned,as traditional gatekeepers struggled to adapt to a rapidly changing media ecosystem [[3]].
Key Takeaways: Media and Politics in the Trump Era
| Aspect | Impact |
|—————————|—————————————————————————|
| Polarization | Hardened political identities created a divided audience. |
| Populism | Right-wing populism gained momentum, reshaping political discourse. |
| Journalistic Challenges| Press faced dilemmas in balancing objectivity and accountability.|
| Media Relevance | Traditional journalism’s role was questioned in a fragmented media landscape. |
The Trump era underscored the need for journalism to evolve. As the media grapples with its role in a polarized society, the lessons from this period remain critical. For a deeper dive into how journalism navigated these challenges, explore the insights from News After Trump [[3]].
what do you think about the media’s role in shaping political narratives? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.
Exploring the Media’s Role in the Trump Era: An In-Depth Interview
Insights into how journalism adapted during a transformative political period.
Q: How did the polarization of the voting public impact the media landscape during Trump’s presidency?
Answer: The increasing polarization of the voting public created a deeply divided audience, which forced the media to navigate a fractured landscape. Political identities hardened, making it challenging for journalists to maintain objectivity. This environment amplified the influence of populist messaging, notably from the right wing, and reshaped how the media approached reporting on political issues.
Q: What were the key challenges journalists faced while covering Trump’s administration?
Answer: Journalists faced meaningful dilemmas during Trump’s presidency, particularly in balancing objectivity with accountability. According to a seminar hosted by the Shorenstein Center on Media,politics,and Public Policy,the press struggled to avoid amplifying misinformation while holding the administration accountable.Trump’s unorthodox interaction style and the rise of populism further elaborate these efforts,forcing journalists to adapt to a rapidly changing media ecosystem.
Q: How did the book “News after Trump” portray the media culture during this period?
Answer: The book “News After Trump” provides a comprehensive analysis of the media landscape during Trump’s presidency. It highlights how various actors, from Trump himself to small-town newspaper editors, used their cultural power to shape narratives. The book argues that traditional journalism’s relevance was increasingly questioned as traditional gatekeepers struggled to adapt to a fragmented media environment.It underscores the transformative impact of Trump’s presidency on journalism and the challenges faced by the industry.
Q: What lessons can be drawn from the media’s role in shaping political narratives during the Trump era?
Answer: The Trump era highlighted the need for journalism to evolve in response to a polarized and fragmented audience. Key lessons include the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity while adapting to new communication dynamics,the risks of amplifying misinformation,and the necessity of holding power accountable in a rapidly changing political landscape. These insights remain critical as the media continues to grapple with its role in shaping public discourse.
Conclusion
The media’s role in shaping political narratives during the Trump era was transformative. From navigating polarization and populism to adapting to new challenges in reporting, this period underscored the need for journalism to evolve. As we reflect on these lessons, it’s clear that the media’s ability to remain relevant and accountable will be crucial in shaping the future of democratic discourse.