The Thai baht has strengthened against the US dollar due to dollar depreciation and rising gold prices caused by concerns about the Israeli-Hamas conflict. However, the lack of clarity surrounding Thailand’s digital wallet scheme is weakening the baht and causing market uncertainty.
Thai Baht Opens Stronger Against US Dollar amid Israeli-Hamas Conflict
The Thai baht started the day off stronger against the US dollar as a result of the US dollar’s depreciation and the rebound in gold prices, which can be attributed to concerns surrounding the Israeli-Hamas conflict. This news comes as the conflict continues to develop and investors eagerly await statements from the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank regarding potential interest rate hikes. The conflict’s impact on the financial market remains uncertain, but rising stocks of arms manufacturers and energy stocks have provided support to the US stock market.
The Baht’s Depreciation and Uncertainty Surrounding Digital Wallet Scheme
Thailand’s new digital wallet scheme has caused uncertainty in the market, leading to the depreciation of the baht. Foreign investors are selling Thai bonds and stocks in anticipation of the distribution of 560 billion baht to every Thai over the age of 16. This depreciation poses potential hidden costs for Thailand, including increased import expenses and higher prices for consumers. However, exporters may benefit from the weakened baht. To maintain stability, the Thai government may need to consider raising interest rates or implementing other measures.
Market Concerns over Lack of Clarity in Digital Distribution Plan
The lack of clarity surrounding Thailand’s digital distribution plan has raised concerns in the market, further contributing to the uncertainty surrounding the baht. This lack of clarity has caused market concerns as investors and consumers alike seek more information about the plan’s impact and implementation. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen if the baht can continue to strengthen in the face of these uncertainties.
Source : Thai baht rebounds amid weakened dollar and concerns about the Israeli-Hamas conflict
