April 22, 2008
BANGKOK (AFP) - Thai share prices closed 0.95 percent higher on Tuesday with the energy sector gaining as oil prices hit a record high, dealers said.
They said positive earning reports from banks also helped sentiment.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) composite index rose 8.04 points to 850.02, and the bluechip SET 50 index gained 7.44 points to 613.28.
Gainers led losers 188 to 119 while 150 stocks were unchanged with 5.41 billion shares traded worth 22.67 billion baht (720.36 million dollars).
The Thai baht appreciated against the dollar, closing at 31.45-47 from Monday's 31.51-53. The Thai unit depreciated against the euro, finishing at 50.20-25 from 49.94-50.00.
"The market rose today because of heavy buying in energy stocks after record oil prices," said Thanomsak Saharatchai, senior strategist at Capital Nomura Securities.
Thanomsak said major energy stocks including PTT and PTT Exploration and Production rose across the board.
"Positive news from banks' earnings reports also lifted up sentiment in the market," he said.
Thailand's biggest energy firm PTT surged 12.00 baht to 346.00 while its subsidiary PTT Exploration and Production rose 7.00 to 171.00. Major energy firm Banpu also added 12.00 to 444.00.
The kingdom's largest lender Bangkok Bank fell 1.00 to 138.00 while Siam Commercial Bank remained unchanged at 92.00.
Thai Airways was also unchanged at 28.50.
