ASIAN MARKETS DIP AS DOLLAR RISES ON US DATA

RECAP: Asian stocks slipped on Friday after an unexpected jump in US producer prices tempered expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut, bolstering the dollar and weighing on regional currencies.

- NUNTAWUN POLKUAMDEE NAREERAT WIRIYAPONG

Thai shares fell on profit-taking ahead of Monday's release of second-quarter GDP, while investors are monitoring political news ahead of the Aug 29 court ruling on the prime minister's audio clip case.

The SET index moved in a range of 1,253.51 and 1,283.55 points this week, before closing yesterday at 1,259.42, unchanged from the previous week, with daily turnover averaging 55.91 billion baht.

Institutional investors were net buyers of 5.23 billion baht, followed by retail investors at 1.53 billion and brokerage firms at 445.39 million. Foreign investors were net sellers of 7.21 billion baht.

NEWSMAKERS: The US announced a 90-day extension of its tariff truce with China, locking in a 30% rate on Chinese imports, with Chinese duties on US imports at 10%. Talks will continue in hopes of reducing threatened rates of 145% and 125%, which would result in a virtual trade embargo between the countries.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said there is a possibility the US Federal Reserve could cut interest rates by as much as half a percentage point at its September meeting, citing weakening employment figures. He also suggested the benchmark rate ought to be at least 1.5 points lower than it is now.