Showing 1 - 10 of 21
Policy rate cut equals currency depreciation? Not always
Business, TMB Analytics, Published on 06/10/2017
» How does a country's policy interest rate influence the currency exchange rate? Theoretically speaking, when a country's rate of return falls, investors will move their capital to other countries with higher rates of return, causing the local currency to depreciate. But it is possible that a policy rate reduction will lead to a stronger local currency instead. This depends on investors' expectations of future policy rates.
What's behind the strong baht: myth vs fact
Business, TMB Analytics, Published on 01/09/2017
» The number 8 is typically viewed as lucky in Chinese culture. Right now, however, 8 is a hideous number for many Thai exporters, since that is how much the baht has appreciated in percentage terms since the Year of the Rooster began.
The conundrum of low Thai inflation
Business, TMB Analytics, Published on 07/07/2017
» Subdued inflation in recent years might raise concern about the health of the Thai economy in general. In the past three years, inflation in Thailand has been almost the lowest among Asean countries. A casual observer might blame this on the tepid economy, leading to weak demand that has subsequently reduced price pressure.
Machine learning can now appraise your house
Business, TMB Analytics, Published on 04/08/2017
» Machine learning (ML) has become a buzzword to describe a world of intelligent automated devices and systems equipped with the data they need to take over tasks performed by humans.
The importance of picking the right offer to refinance your mortgage
Business, TMB Analytics, Published on 08/06/2017
» Owning a home is at the top of life's bucket list for almost every Thai household. Given their high value, most purchases are financed through mortgage loans. According to the National Statistical Office, mortgages account for 50% of Thai household debt.
Reviving Thailand's automotive industry: beyond across-the-board tax incentives
Business, TMB Analytics, Published on 07/04/2017
» Given its ambition to be the Detroit of Asia, Thailand has long sought to assert its comparative advantage in the regional automotive industry. The first-car buyer programme in 2012-13 was one example of a major catalyst that induced a heady state of exuberance, albeit temporary, in the industry. Lured by tax rebates of up to 100,000 baht, about 1.25 million people signed up. Car sales reached a record 1.44 million units in 2013, compared with average yearly sales of around 800,000.
Using macro-prudential policy to manage household debt
Business, TMB Analytics, Published on 03/03/2017
» Household debt is one of the most critical issues facing policymakers in Thailand. At 81% of GDP in 2016 -- an increase of 20% from five years earlier -- indebtedness plagues many Thai families.
New types of collateral ease financial constraints on small business
Business, TMB Analytics, Published on 06/01/2017
» Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have long been the backbone of Thailand's economy. According to official data from 2015, the country had 2.7 million SMEs valued at about 5.5 trillion baht or 40% of GDP, creating 10.7 million jobs or 80% of all employment.
Understanding mortgage growth in Thailand: a regional perspective
Business, TMB Analytics, Published on 03/02/2017
» The mortgage market in Thailand was nothing short of spectacular from 2010 to 2014, with annual growth exceeding 12% for five consecutive years, reflecting rising demand in urbanised areas and government incentives for first-home buyers.
Leveraging bank networks to improve financial literacy
Business, TMB Analytics, Published on 02/12/2016
» Financial literacy is a key element on the national agenda. Experiences from developed countries such as Germany and South Korea show that improving financial literacy will uplift the financial well-being of the people and the welfare of the economy.