Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand stocks lead SE Asian peers

Southeast Asian stock markets ended higher on Monday, tracking a rally in broader Asian shares and upbeat US stock futures that rose after US President Donald Trump claimed that China would take down its trade barriers, soothing fears of a tariff war.

China, however, said that Washington was to blame for trade frictions, repeating that it was impossible to negotiate under "current circumstances". Investors are now waiting for a speech by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Boao Forum on Tuesday.

Asia shares ex-Japan rose 0.6%, while the US S&P 500 e-Mini futures climbed 0.8%.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand main index advanced 11.35 points or 0.65% to close at 1,751.27, in trade worth 55.59 billion baht, with shares of PTT Plc up 1.5% and Siam Cement Plc climbing 2.1%.

Thailand's economy is expected to grow 4.1% this year, up from a forecast 3.6%, as the recovery is broadening, the World Bank said on Monday.

In other Southeast Asian markets, Indonesian shares rose 1.2%, with Telekomunikasi Indonesia gaining 3.3% and mining contractor United Tractors rising 2.2%. 

Malaysian shares ended 0.7% higher, their third session of gains, underpinned by higher material stocks. Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd surged 13.8%, while Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd jumped 3.4%.

Vietnam touched a record closing high, led by financials and real estate stocks. Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Industry and Trade jumped 5.6%, while Vingroup JSC climbed 1.9%, both hitting record closing highs. 

Singapore shares rose for a third straight session, led by gains in financials.

The Philippine stock market was closed for a holiday.