- USDTHB: moving in the range 31.01 – 31.07 this morning, supportive level at 30.95 resistance level at 31.15
- SET Index: 1,490.40 (+0.69%), 24 Feb 2026
- S&P 500 Index: 6,890.07 (+0.77%), 24 Feb 2026
- Thai 10-year government bond yield (interpolated): 1.908 (+0.98 bps), 24 Feb 2026
- US 10-year treasury yield: 4.04 (+1.0 bps), 24 Feb 2026
- US Consumer Confidence beats expectations in February
- Takaichi flags rate-hike concerns to BOJ’s Ueda
- China ramps up export curbs on Japanese firms
- Thailand auto production rebounds on EV boost
- Dollar edges higher on Tuesday
US Consumer Confidence beats expectations in February
US Consumer Confidence rose more than expected to 91.2 in February (exp. 87.0) from 84.5, based on a survey conducted before the SCOTUS ruling on Trump’s IEEPA tariffs and the proposed 15% global tariff. The increase was driven by improved expectations, with the Expectations Index climbing to 72.0 from 67.2, while the Present Situation Index edged down to 120.0. Labor signals were mixed—more respondents saw jobs as plentiful, but more also viewed them as hard to get—pushing the labor market differential up to +7.4%.
Takaichi flags rate-hike concerns to BOJ’s Ueda
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reportedly raised concerns about further rate hikes in talks last week with Kazuo Ueda, governor of the Bank of Japan. Her stance could complicate the central bank’s policy plans and coordination with the new government.
China ramps up export curbs on Japanese firms
China has expanded its export control list to include several firms, including affiliates of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and added others to a monitoring list, tightening scrutiny on dual-use export licenses. It marks the first inclusion of Japanese companies since the list’s January 2025 debut and is seen as Beijing stepping up pressure on Japan.
Thailand auto production rebounds on EV boost
Thailand’s car production rose 10.5% YoY to 118,386 units in January 2026, driven by export output, domestic production, and first-year EV manufacturing under the EV3.5 scheme. Domestic sales surged 53.8% YoY on accelerated EV deliveries, though pickup sales fell 5.5% amid tighter credit and weak demand. Exports declined 6.3% YoY to a 45-month low of 58,405 units, weighed by model discontinuations and stricter import regulations on safety and emissions standards.
Dollar edges higher on Tuesday
The 10-year government bond yield (interpolated) on the previous trading day was 1.908, +0.98 bps. The benchmark government bond yield (LB365A) was 1.92, +0.00 bps. Meantime, the latest closed US 10-year bond yields was 4.04, +1.0 bps. USDTHB on the previous trading day closed around 31.07, moving in a range of 31.01 – 31.07 this morning. USDTHB could be closed between 30.95 – 31.15 today. The dollar firmed modestly, though gains were capped as early-week risk-off sentiment faded on upbeat AI-related news and mixed US data; Fed speakers struck a cautious tone, with Goolsbee calling for more inflation progress before cuts, Cook noting the neutral rate could decline over time, and Collins signaling rates are likely to stay on hold for now. The euro edged lower but was supported by limited data flow and reassurance from EU Trade Commissioner Sefcovic that the US would honor the trade deal, while the British pound was flat despite heavy BoE commentary, with Governor Bailey saying an April cut remains an open question. Meanwhile, the Japanese yen weakened after reports that PM Takaichi conveyed reservations to BoJ Governor Ueda about further rate hikes.
Sources : ttb analytics , Bloomberg, CNBC, Trading economics, Investing, CEIC
