April 29, 2008
BANGKOK - Thai share prices closed 0.33 percent lower on Tuesday as investors took profits in energy stocks, dealers said.
They said the Thai bourse fell slightly as some investors also stayed on the sidelines ahead of the US Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) composite index fell 2.79 points to 833.63 while the blue-chip SET 50 index lost 1.68 points to 601.06, according to AFP.
Losers outnumbered gainers 251 to 88, while 106 stocks were unchanged with sluggish trade of 5.44 billion shares worth 17.30 billion baht (545.75 million dollars).
The Thai baht appreciated against the dollar, closing at 31.69-71 from Monday's 31.70-73. The Thai unit also appreciated against the euro, finishing at 49.33-37 from 49.65-75.
"The market rose in the morning before gradually falling until it closed. Investors took profits in energy stocks and some small-cap stocks," said Chai Chirasevenupraphand, market strategist at Capital Nomura Securities.
Chai said some investors stayed on the sidelines as they waited for the Fed's decision on interest rates due on Wednesday.
Banking stocks saw some gains while energy shares fell.
Thailand's biggest energy firm PTT slipped 2.00 baht to 338.00 while its subsidiary PTT Exploration and Production lost 3.00 to 169.00.
The kingdom's largest lender Bangkok Bank rose 2.00 to 138.00 while Siam Commercial Bank gained 1.00 to 89.00.
Thai Airways edged down 0.25 to 27.25 but the country's biggest telephone operator Advance Info Service rose 1.00 to 92.50.
