- USDTHB: moving in the range 32.51 – 32.70 this morning, supportive level at 32.35 resistance level at 32.75
- SET Index: 1,397.34 (-2.49%), 23 Mar 2026
- S&P 500 Index: 6,581.0 (+1.15%), 23 Mar 2026
- Thai 10-year government bond yield (interpolated): 2.235 (+13.36 bps), 23 Mar 2026
- US 10-year treasury yield: 4.34 (-5.0 bps), 23 Mar 2026
- Trump signals possible US–Iran talks, pauses strikes on key infrastructure
- Japan’s inflation slips below BOJ’s target first time since 2022
- Japan’s labor union wins wage hike topping 5% for third year
- China to expand overseas investment quotas for domestic institutions
- Dollar slips amid renewed risk-on mood
Trump signals possible US–Iran talks, pauses strikes on key infrastructure
US President Donald Trump said Washington has held “productive” discussions with Iran and announced a five-day halt to planned strikes on the country’s energy and power infrastructure, framing the move as a step toward de-escalation and a potential deal to end the conflict. However, Iranian officials swiftly rejected the claim, denying that any direct or indirect negotiations had taken place, underscoring ongoing uncertainty despite the temporary pause in hostilities.
Japan’s inflation slips below BOJ’s target first time since 2022
Japan’s core consumer prices rose 1.6% year-on-year in February, slowing more than expected to the weakest pace since March 2022, as utility subsidies weighed on energy costs. Excluding energy, underlying inflation climbed 2.5%, above the Bank of Japan’s 2% target, while overall inflation fell to 1.3%. Energy costs dropped 9.1%, led by electricity, and food prices (excluding fresh items) eased to 5.7%. Service prices rose 1.4%, and rice prices moderated to a 17.1% increase after last year’s record surge, though rising oil prices could push inflation higher in coming months.
Japan’s labor union wins wage hike topping 5% for third year
Japan’s largest labor federation, Rengo, said its members secured an average pay increase of 5.26% for the third consecutive year, slightly below last year’s 5.46%, with base pay up 3.85%. Workers had sought a 5.94% rise. The results, covering about seven million workers, will be revised as more companies report, but strong wage gains could support further Bank of Japan rate hikes.
China to expand overseas investment quotas for domestic institutions
China plans to raise the quota for approved investors to invest in overseas assets, easing restrictions on capital outflows. The new round under the qualified domestic institutional investor (QDII) program aims to better meet domestic institutions’ cross-border investment needs. Authorities said this move aligns with broader efforts over the next five years to open capital accounts, advance financial reforms, and promote yuan internationalization.
Dollar slips amid renewed risk-on mood
The 10-year government bond yield (interpolated) on the previous trading day was 2.235, +13.36 bps. The benchmark government bond yield (LB365A) was 2.32, +21.00 bps. Meantime, the latest closed US 10-year bond yields was 4.34, -5.0 bps. USDTHB on the previous trading day closed around 33.00, moving in a range of 32.51 – 32.70 this morning. USDTHB could be closed between 32.35 – 32.75 today. The dollar came under pressure as risk appetite returned to equities and FX markets after a Truth Social post by Donald Trump suggested the US had engaged in constructive talks with Iran and would pause strikes on its energy infrastructure for five days. This perceived easing of geopolitical tensions weighed on the dollar’s safe-haven appeal, although Iranian officials later denied that any talks had taken place. At the same time, mixed signals from Fed speakers added to the backdrop, with Miran noting that current conditions do not support rate hikes, while Goolsbee highlighted the potential for multiple cuts but did not fully dismiss the possibility of hikes. Against this softer dollar backdrop, the euro climbed back above 1.1600, and the Japanese yen strengthened, supported in part by lower oil prices, which pushed USD/JPY down toward 158.00.
Sources : ttb analytics , Bloomberg, CNBC, Trading economics, Investing, CEIC
