Recap: Global stock markets moved sideways during the week amid worries that Sino-US trade negotiations were stalling, with President Donald Trump saying he was in no rush to complete a deal. Adding to investors' concern was British parliamentarians' rejection of a revised Brexit plan. But markets took heart from a rise in oil prices to a four-month high ahead of a meeting of key producers to review their output strategy.
The SET index moved in a range of 1,623.75 and 1,643.56 points before closing at 1,625.57, down 0.3% from the previous week, in turnover averaging 40.32 billion baht a day.
Retail investors were net buyers of 3.2 billion baht and institutional investors purchased 1.3 billion worth of shares. Brokerage firms were net sellers of 2.7 billion baht and foreign investors offloaded shares worth 1.7 billion.
Newsmakers: British Prime Minister Theresa May will make a third attempt to get her EU withdrawal deal through Parliament next week. She told MPs that if her deal fails again to get their backing, a lengthy delay of Brexit may be needed. Legislators voted on Thursday to extend the Brexit deadline by three months to June 30 if necessary.
The ban on the Boeing 737 Max aircraft became worldwide on Wednesday after US President Donald Trump joined Canada and other countries in grounding the aircraft. The move reflected mounting global fears about the jets' airworthiness following fatal crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia this year.
The US has told Germany it would curb intelligence sharing with Berlin if it allows the Chinese telecom equipment maker Huawei to participate in its 5G mobile network.
India has announced general election dates staggered over six weeks starting on April 11, when hundreds of millions of voters will cast ballots in the world's biggest democracy.
Japan's economy grew at an annualised rate of 1.4% in the fourth quarter of 2018, signalling only a modest recovery from natural disasters in the summer that cast doubt on its durability.
Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said he was studying options for flag carrier Malaysia Airlines, including whether to invest more funds, sell it off or even shut the struggling company down.
The Philippines on Wednesday cut its 2019 GDP growth target to 6-7%, from 7-8%, citing a delay in final legislative approval of the budget.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand plans to begin digital asset trading operations on a new exchange next year, with the structure of the core infrastructure to be completed in the third quarter.
The military-drafted constitution and "directed democracy" are expected to ensure domestic political stability after the March 24 election, but Thai GDP growth will dip below 3% if spending on infrastructure is not accelerated, says CLSA Securities. Fitch Ratings, however, expressed concern that pre-election developments have exposed the political cleavages that persist in the country.
The due diligence process for the merger of TMB Bank and Thanachart Bank will not be completed during the term of the current government, but the Finance Ministry will still increase its capital to prevent share dilution.
Consumer confidence rose for the second straight month in February, boosted by the upcoming election and the return of Chinese tourists.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved the first initial coin offering portal and is expected to issue criteria for applications for securities token offerings soon.
A group of Chinese investors, led by representatives of the government, has expressed interest in buying 10,000 rai of industrial estate land in the Eastern Economic Corridor to create its own community and improve its supply chain in Asean.
The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) plans to lobby the next government for more tax incentives for automakers, saying the current government's policy to upgrade vehicle fuel standards to Euro 5 and 6 are unclear and the incentives unattractive.
R&D spending in Thailand reached 1% of GDP in 2017, a year ahead of schedule but still far below the levels of 3-4% of GDP seen in many countries. R&D spending in 2017 was worth 155 billion baht, mainly driven by big corporations aspiring to produce high value-added products, led by the automotive, food and petroleum sectors.
SET-listed Banpu Power Plc (BPP) plans to increase its goal for power generation capacity from 4,300 megawatts by 2025, as it is confident it can achieve that target ahead of schedule.
Kasikornbank (KBANK) says it is focusing on mortgage refinancing as it aims to improve loan quality and tap new customers.
Bangkok Bank (BBL) is stressing prudence with a plan to set aside loan-loss provisions this year at the same level as last year to cope with global economic uncertainties, despite improving asset quality.
TOA Paint Thailand Plc (TOA) aims for 10% growth in 2019 revenue to 18 billion baht, largely driven by overseas operations.
Coming up: Japan will release February trade figures on Monday. Due Tuesday are Reserve Bank of Australia meeting minutes, UK unemployment claims for February and German ZEW economic sentiment for March. Britain will release February inflation data on Wednesday.
The Federal Open Market Committee will release its interest rate decision and economic projections around 2am Thursday Thailand time. The Bank of England will announce its interest rate decision the same day. EU leaders will vote on extending the Brexit deadline beyond March 29, depending on the outcome of more parliamentary votes in London.
Japan and Canada will release February inflation on Friday, and Germany will release manufacturing PMI for March.
Stocks to watch: DBS Vickers Securities Thailand recommends purchasing AOT, PLANB, RJH and PR9. High-dividend stocks are identified as KKP, TISCO, HANA, TOP, SCC, BCP, LH, GOLD, DIF and TPRIME.
Finansia Syrus Securities suggests domestic plays, with monthly picks including EA, ERW, PLANB, RS and TVO, and fundamental picks HMPRO, EA, BEM and MTC.
Technical view: DBS Vickers sees support at 1,610 points and resistance at 1,650. Maybank Kim Eng puts support at 1,623 and resistance at 1,660.