Bangkok: Kasikorn Research Center predicts that the Thai baht will experience fluctuations in the coming week, with exchange rates expected to range between 32.80 and 33.60 baht per US dollar. The financial community is closely watching statements from Federal Reserve officials and developments in the Middle East. According to Thai News Agency, last week the Thai baht strengthened to its highest level in six weeks, reaching 33.03 baht per US dollar. This appreciation followed trends in Asian currencies and rising gold prices, coupled with lower US bond yields due to weaker-than-expected economic data. These factors have led to speculation that the Federal Reserve might cut interest rates once this year, though not at an upcoming meeting. The baht traded within a narrow range toward the end of the week, as markets awaited developments in the Strait of Hormuz and US labor market figures. Foreign investors were net sellers of Thai stocks, totaling 8,964 million baht during the week of August 3-7. However, ther e was a notable net inflow of 9,557 million baht into the Thai bond market. For the week of August 10-14, 2026, Kasikorn Bank forecasts the Thai baht to trade within a range of 32.80-33.60 baht per US dollar. Key factors to monitor include the situation in the Middle East, the direction of foreign fund flows, and statements from Federal Reserve officials. Important US economic data, such as existing home sales, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and retail sales for July, are also being closely watched. The Thai stock index experienced a decline for most of last week, mainly due to selling pressure from foreign investors and profit-taking in stocks with specific catalysts. The market lacked new catalysts, particularly in the ICT, electronics components, and airline sectors, before a brief recovery on hopes of negotiations on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Despite this, high uncertainty persisted, leading investors to focus on the Middle East situation and US labor market figures. On August 7, 2026, the SET clo sed at 1,612.00 points, down 0.72% from the previous week, while average daily trading volume decreased by 19.16% to 78,030.47 million baht. The mai index rose slightly, closing at 227.33 points. Looking ahead to the following week, Kasikorn Securities Co., Ltd. forecasts that the Thai stock index will have support levels at 1,585 and 1,560 points, with resistance levels at 1,630 and 1,655 points. Kasikorn Research Center highlights key factors to monitor, including Federal Reserve statements, Q2 2026 earnings reports from Thai listed companies, the situation in the Middle East, and foreign capital flows. Other important international economic data include Q2 2026 GDP figures for the Eurozone and new yuan lending figures for July from China.
