Bangkok: KTAM foresees a continued upward trend for Thai stocks in the latter half of the year, with the SET index expected to reach 1,600 points by the end of 2026. The firm attributes this growth to a combination of foreign capital inflow, domestic consumption, tourism, and investment.
According to Thai News Agency, Krung Thai Asset Management (KTAM) has announced dividend payments exceeding 118 million baht from funds including KTSF and ThaiESG. The company emphasizes the importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investments as a sustainable strategy for generating returns while managing risk. Ms. Chawinda Hanratanakul, Managing Director of KTAM, highlighted the recovery trend of the Thai stock market in the first half of 2026, driven by foreign investment and large-scale industries. The electronics components sector, buoyed by advancements in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, along with the construction and petrochemical sectors, played significant roles in this recovery.
KTAM predicts that these positive influences will persist, projecting the SET Index to reach 1,600 points by the end of 2026 and 1,650 points in 2027. This forecast is supported by domestic consumption, a recovering tourism sector, foreign investment, and the appealing valuation of Thai stocks. In light of this favorable investment environment, KTAM announced dividend payments to unit holders of its Thai equity funds, including the Krung Thai Equity Dividend Fund (KTSF) and three Thai Sustainable Development Funds (ThaiESG), with a total payout exceeding 118 million baht.
Ms. Chawinda emphasized that while the SETESG index yielded an 18.32% return in the first half of 2026, slightly below the SET TRI index, ESG investments are designed for long-term stability rather than short-term gains. ESG factors serve as tools for risk management and selection of companies with strong governance and growth potential. Despite the current market cycle's sector-driven dynamics, ESG stocks offer stable earnings and consistent dividends, making them a viable option for investors seeking sustainable returns and risk management in varying market conditions.