Asian shares rise on upbeat signals in China

RECAP: Most Asian markets advanced on Friday, helped by encouraging signs in China’s economy and a retreat in the US dollar, while inflation data supported the case for another Federal Reserve rate cut.
The Thai bourse, however, continued its decline, again slipping below 1,450 points. The SET index moved in a range of 1,436.79 and 1,465.29 points this week, before closing on Friday at 1,442.63, down 1.5% from the previous week, with daily turnover averaging 47.89 billion baht.
Retail investors were net buyers of 5.39 billion baht. Foreign investors were net sellers of 3.31 billion, followed by brokerage firms at 2.05 billion and institutional investors at 29 million baht.
NEWSMAKERS: Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell said strong US economic growth would allow policymakers to take their time deciding how far and how fast to lower interest rates, amid concerns that policies of a new Republican government would stoke inflation.
COMING UP: Euro zone trade figures will be announced Monday, followed by euro zone inflation and Japanese trade figures on Tuesday. Wednesday will bring UK inflation and a European Central Bank financial stability review. On Thursday, the US will announce updated jobless claims and home sales, and Japan will release an inflation update. On Friday, Germany will report quarterly GDP, and the UK and US will release purchasing managers index updates.
STOCKS TO WATCH: Asia Plus Securities says the second phase of the 10,000-baht digital handout, expected to be approved early next year for targeted seniors, will be positive for retail, hire-purchase and agricultural-food stocks, among them TU, CPF, CBG, SAPPE, SNNP, ICHI, NSL, M, CPALL, CRC, BJC, HMPRO, COM7, MTC, SAWAD, TIDLOR and BAM.
TECHNICAL VIEW: Asia Plus Securities sees support at 1,440 points and resistance at 1,465. InnovestX Securities sees support at 1,430 and resistance at 1,465.