SET RIDES WAVE OF POST-POLL OPTIMISM

STOCK FOCUS

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The Stock Exchange of Thailand closed the first month of 2026 with high hopes for an election-themed rally.

Market-cap leader DELTA turned positive again, pushing the SET up more than 20 points in the first week of the year, while positive sentiment about artificial intelligence (AI) on Wall Street spread to Asia.

The index later fell back as concerns about the impact of health insurance co-payments and weak economic conditions dampened the outlook for the healthcare and commerce sectors. The SET reached its lowest point of the month at 1,232.40 points, before reviving on signs of fund inflows, as investors exited a sinking market in Indonesia.

We also observed a US market correction and higher geopolitical risk arising from US-Iran tensions.

Thailand seems to be a safe haven for investment and yield-seeking opportunities for now. The SET closed the month at 1,325.62 points, an increase of 5.2% from December, with average daily turnover rising 48.4% to 46.2 billion baht.

The Feb 8 election marked a turning point as investors cheered the prospect of prolonged political stability. The size of the Bhumjaithai Party victory came as a shock to many, but investors will welcome the prospect of a new coalition government completing a full four-year term.