Thailand’s SET Index closed at 1,298.60 points, decreased 10.26 points or 0.78%, with a trading value of THB 40.71 billion. The analyst stated that the Thai market plunged below 1,300 points due to profit-taking action in big-cap stocks, particularly in the petrochemical sector, as investors are concerned over the slowing global economy.
Furthermore, there are no new supporting factors after investors have priced in the U.S.-China trade accord.
The analyst expects the Thai market to move relatively flat tomorrow.
Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized expanding mutual investment with Russia and reaffirmed Beijing’s strategic commitment to closer ties, even as the global environment grows increasingly uncertain.
Xi met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, following an earlier discussion between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Mishustin in Hangzhou. During those talks, Li underscored China’s intention to intensify cooperation and jointly defend shared security interests with Moscow.
South Korea plans to triple its investment in artificial intelligence and implement its most significant defence budget hike since 2019 as part of an ambitious spending blueprint.
The 2026 government spending plan lays out KRW 10.1 trillion for AI, a surge that more than triples this year’s allocation. The initiative is designed to move South Korea into the world’s top three AI powers, positioning it alongside the U.S. and China.
Starbucks has reached an agreement to transfer majority ownership of its Chinese operations to Boyu Capital, an investment firm, in a transaction valued at $4 billion.
Under the terms, the newly formed joint venture will see Boyu Capital taking up to a 60% interest in Starbucks’ retail business across China, while Starbucks will maintain a 40% minority stake. The Seattle-headquartered company will continue to hold and license its brand and intellectual property to the partnership.
