BANGKOK: Thai stocks rose on Friday as month-end buying lifted large caps such as PTT Pcl and Siam Cement Pcl, but trading volumes dropped due to holidays in the region and caution ahead of the Sunday election. The SET index finished up 0.8 percent, its first gain in five sessions, led by index heavyweights such as PTT. Shares in Siam Cement rose 1 percent after it reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings. In its latest strategy report, UBS Securities (Thailand)recommended investors to accumulate stocks on any weakness post elections. The benchmark fell for a third month in January, down 1.9 percent and taking its loss since November to around 12 percent, the region's worst performer, hit by the prolonged domestic political turmoil. Trading volumes on Friday almost halved the full-day average over the past 30 sessions, with players wary of the political risks and analysts said the Feb. 2 poll may not solve the current deadlock. All other Southeast Asian stock markets were closed on Friday for the Lunar New Year holiday, including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. SOUTHEAST ASIAN STOCK MARKETS Change on day Market Current Prev Close Pct Move TR SE Asia Index* 377.77 377.00 +0.20 Bangkok 1274.28 1264.07 +0.81 Change on year Market Current End 2013 Pct Move TR SE Asia Index* 377.77 388.37 -2.73 Singapore -- 3167.43 -4.43 Kuala Lumpur -- 1866.96 -3.37 Bangkok 1274.28 1298.71 -1.88 Jakarta -- 4274.18 +3.38 Manila -- 5889.83 +2.57 Ho Chi Minh -- 504.63 +10.28 * The Thomson Reuters South East Asia Index is a highly representative indicator of stocks listed in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Stock Market Volume (shares) Market Current Volume Average Volume 30 days Bangkok 2,575,184 4,671,788 - Reuters

See original here:
Southeast Asia Stocks - Thai extend losses; S'pore, M'sia Indonesia closed

BANGKOK: Thai stocks closed at their lowest in more than two weeks on Tuesday amid rising political tensions ahead of the Feb. 2 election, while Philippine shares extended losses for a second session with large caps under pressure due to more foreign selling. The key Thai SET index dropped 1.3 percent to 1,271.79, its lowest close since Jan. 10. Shares of airport operator Airports of Thailand and Siam Commercial Bank were among those actively traded. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has confirmed a general election will be held on Feb. 2, deputy prime minister Pongtep Tepkanjana told reporters late on Tuesday after a meeting at which the election authority had proposed a delay because of unrest in the capital. Tisco Securities strategist Viwat Techapoonphol expected near term weakness, with support for the benchmark at 1,260. "Concerns ahead of the weekend election appeared to be increased and Thai market underperformed the region mainly because of the political factor," he said. Foreign investors offloaded 3.3 billion baht ($100.29 million) of Thai shares on Tuesday, adding to Monday's $102 million, stock exchange and Thomson Reuters data showed. The Philippine main index ended down nearly 1 percent at a one-week closing low of 6,022.81, weighed down by index heavyweight Ayala Land and Ayala Corp. Foreign investors sold a net 1.14 billion peso ($25.11 million) of shares on Tuesday after selling 1.54 billion peso ($33.95 million) on Monday, stock exchange data showed. Stocks in Singapore gained 0.7 percent, Malaysia was up 0.1 percent and Indonesia rose 0.4 percent amid technical-led buying after recent falls due to expectations the U.S. Federal Reserve will scale back its bond buying further in a two-day meeting starting on Tuesday. Vietnam's stock market is closed from Tuesday to Feb. 5 for the country's Lunar New Year festival. SOUTHEAST ASIAN STOCK MARKETS Change on day Market Current Prev Close Pct Move TR SE Asia Index* 377.43 377.07 +0.10 Singapore 3062.41 3042.43 +0.66 Kuala Lumpur 1781.25 1778.88 +0.13 Bangkok 1271.79 1288.59 -1.30 Jakarta 4341.65 4322.78 +0.44 Manila 6022.81 6081.61 -0.97 Change on year Market Current End 2013 Pct Move TR SE Asia Index* 377.43 388.37 -2.82 Singapore 3062.41 3167.43 -3.32 Kuala Lumpur 1781.25 1866.96 -4.59 Bangkok 1271.79 1298.71 -2.07 Jakarta 4341.65 4274.18 +1.58 Manila 6022.81 5889.83 +2.26 Ho Chi Minh -- 504.63 +10.28 * The Thomson Reuters South East Asia Index is a highly representative indicator of stocks listed in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Stock Market Volume (shares) Market Current Volume Average Volume 30 days Singapore 223,178,600 169,769,690 Kuala Lumpur 153,111,900 113,484,820 Bangkok 4,504,198 4,807,113 Jakarta 2,532,395,500 2,894,272,403 Manila 67,552 71,538- Reuters

Go here to see the original:
Southeast Asia Stocks -Thai shares hit 2-wk low, M'sia up

Tai chi: A gentle way to fight stress

Tai chi helps reduce stress and anxiety. And it also helps increase flexibility and balance.

If you're looking for a way to reduce stress, consider tai chi (TIE-CHEE). Originally developed for self-defense, tai chi has evolved into a graceful form of exercise that's now used for stress reduction and a variety of other health conditions. Often described as meditation in motion, tai chi promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements.

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that, today, is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing.

Tai chi, also called tai chi chuan, is a noncompetitive, self-paced system of gentle physical exercise and stretching. Each posture flows into the next without pause, ensuring that your body is in constant motion.

Tai chi has many different styles. Each style may have its own subtle emphasis on various tai chi principles and methods. There are also variations within each style. Some may focus on health maintenance, while others focus on the martial arts aspect of tai chi.

Tai chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it generally safe for all ages and fitness levels. In fact, because tai chi is low impact, it may be especially suitable if you're an older adult who otherwise may not exercise.

You may also find tai chi appealing because it's inexpensive, requires no special equipment and can be done indoors or out, either alone or in a group.

Although tai chi is generally safe, women who are pregnant or people with joint problems, back pain, fractures, severe osteoporosis or a hernia should consult their health care provider before trying tai chi. Modification or avoidance of certain postures may be recommended.

.

Originally posted here:
Tai chi: A gentle way to fight stress - Mayo Clinic

BANGKOK: Thai shares recovered strongly on Thursday to a near four-week high on foreign buying as the capital Bangkok returned to calm after weeks of political unrest, while other Southeast Asian markets mostly ended firmer though Singapore underperformed. The Thai SET index outperformed the region with a 1.4 percent gain, ending at 1,308.34 points, its highest close since Dec. 26, Thomson Reuters data showed. The strong recovery was led by bank and energy shares. Foreign investors bought a net $56.55 million worth of shares on Thursday after the Thai market saw a $221.4 million outflow in seven straight sessions through Wednesday. Thailand's Constitutional Court on Thursday deferred a ruling on whether a general election scheduled for Feb. 2 can be postponed, as protesters who say they will boycott the vote kept up pressure on the government to step down. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra declared a 60-day state of emergency in Bangkok and surrounding areas from Wednesday, hoping to prevent an escalation in the protests now in their third month. The Philippines index ended 0.5 percent firmer at its highest close since Dec. 3, led by a 3.8 percent gain in BDO Unibank Inc after the IMF raised the country's growth forecast. Cautious investors are awaiting directions from the U.S. Federal Reserve, which some market players expect to further trim its bond buying next week even as Chinese manufacturing data pointed to a mild slowdown in the new year. Vietnam's benchmark VN Index closed up 0.3 percent and the Jakarta Composite index ended up 0.4 percent at its highest level since Nov. 1. Bucking the trend, Singapore underperformed the region with a 1.1 percent loss, while Malaysia fell 0.3 percent with a foreign outflow of $100.23 million, echoing sluggishness in Asian markets as investors remained cautious about Chinese manufacturing data. SOUTHEAST ASIAN STOCK MARKETS Change on day Market Current Prev Close Pct Move TR SE Asia Index* 385.41 385.16 +0.07 Singapore 3100.24 3133.74 -1.07 Kuala Lumpur 1808.31 1814.10 -0.32 Bangkok 1308.34 1290.49 +1.38 Jakarta 4496.04 4477.49 +0.41 Manila 6170.05 6139.86 +0.49 Ho Chi Minh 553.55 551.92 +0.30 Change on year Market Current End 2013 Pct Move TR SE Asia Index* 385.41 388.37 -0.76 Singapore 3100.24 3167.43 -2.12 Kuala Lumpur 1808.31 1866.96 -3.14 Bangkok 1308.34 1298.71 +0.74 Jakarta 4496.04 4274.18 +5.19 Manila 6170.05 5889.83 +4.76 Ho Chi Minh 553.55 504.63 +9.69 * The Thomson Reuters South East Asia Index is a highly representative indicator of stocks listed in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Stock Market Volume (shares) Market Current Volume Average Volume 30 days Singapore 234,692,700 170,291,380 Kuala Lumpur 177,386,100 106,887,910 Bangkok 4,576,686 4,843,166 Jakarta 3,157,704,200 2,909,648,633 Manila 71,511 67,948 Ho Chi Minh 73,716 88,539= Reuters

Continue reading here:
SEA Stocks: Mostly Up, Thai up to near 4-wk high, M'sia down with foreign outflow of US$100mil

BANGKOK: Thai stocks fell for a second straight session on Monday as foreign investors shed exposure to risky assets after violence over the weekend hit sentiment, while other Southeast Asian markets closed mixed amid concerns about a slowdown in the Chinese economy.

Shares in Singapore and Malaysia closed 0.6percent and 0.3 percent lower respectively with Kuala Lumpur witnessinga foreign outflow of $88.08 million as expectation of a sluggishgrowth in China dented investor appetite for risky assets.

The Thai SET index ended 0.4 percent, led by information technology and banking shares, while the baht also slid due to political tension. Foreign investors sold a net $46.47 million worth of shares on Monday, extending the offshore outflow to $165.9 million in the last five straight sessions. Analysts expect foreign outflows to continue with Thai authorities "very seriously" considering a state of emergency after the weekend violence where protesters have been trying for more than two months to bring down the government. Shares in Singapore and Malaysia closed 0.6 percent and 0.3 percent respectively with Kuala Lumpur witnessed a foreign outflow of $88.08 million as expectation of a sluggish growth in China dented investor appetite for risky assets. China's economy grew 7.7 percent in 2013 after easing in the final three months on sagging investment growth, while analysts expect a cool-down this year as the government wrestles to implement major reforms. Bucking the trend, the Vietnam stock index, the region's best performer this year, outperformed the region with a 1.9 percent rise, while the Jakarta Composite Index and the Philippines ended 0.4 percent and 0.3 percent firmer, respectively. SOUTHEAST ASIAN STOCK MARKETS Change on day Market Current Prev Close Pct Move TR SE Asia Index* 383.88 385.42 -0.04 Singapore 3128.79 3147.33 -0.59 Kuala Lumpur 1807.59 1813.01 -0.30 Bangkok 1289.99 1295.41 -0.42 Jakarta 4431.57 4412.23 +0.44 Manila 6005.60 5987.09 +0.31 Ho Chi Minh 553.67 543.59 +1.85 Change on year Market Current End 2013 Pct Move TR SE Asia Index* 383.88 388.37 -1.16 Singapore 3128.79 3167.43 -1.22 Kuala Lumpur 1807.59 1866.96 -3.18 Bangkok 1289.99 1298.71 -0.67 Jakarta 4431.57 4274.18 +3.68 Manila 6005.60 5889.83 +1.97 Ho Chi Minh 553.67 504.63 +9.72 * The Thomson Reuters South East Asia Index is a highly representative indicator of stocks listed in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Stock Market Volume (shares) Market Current Volume Average Volume 30 days Singapore 109,883,200 179,193,497 Kuala Lumpur 139,544,600 106,408,950 Bangkok 5,758,106 4,974,442 Jakarta 3,712,257,840 2,939,235,047 Manila 35,727 66,477 Ho Chi Minh 105,722 86,206- Reuters

Read the original post:
Southeast Asia Stocks - Thai shares fal, M'sia sees some foreign funds selling

BANGKOK: Thai stocks retreated on Friday as investors cut some risk exposure after a blast at an anti-government protest rally, with most others in Southeast Asia rangebound amid Asian stock market weakness and downbeat results on Wall Street. Thai SET index finished down 0.5 percent on the day, trimming its gain on the week to 3.2 percent. It was among the region's outperformers on the week, helped by bargain hunting in a reporting season, including banking shares. An explosive device wounded 28 anti-government protesters in the Thai capital on Friday and other violence was reported after several days of relative calm when the movement appeared to be running out of steam. Vietnam was the region's bright spot. The benchmark VN Index climbed 1.88 percent, extending its winning streak to 11 sessions. It was up 4.8 percent on the week, Southeast Asia's best, ahead of Indonesia's 3.7 percent weekly gain.

SOUTHEAST ASIAN STOCK MARKETS Change on day Market Current Prev Close Pct Move TR SE Asia Index* 385.52 385.54 -0.01 Singapore 3147.33 3140.44 +0.22 Bangkok 1295.41 1301.48 -0.47 Jakarta 4412.23 4412.49 -0.01 Manila 5987.09 5982.24 +0.08 Ho Chi Minh 543.59 533.54 +1.88 Change on year Market Current End 2013 Pct Move TR SE Asia Index* 385.42 388.37 -0.76 Singapore 3147.33 3167.43 -0.63 Kuala Lumpur -- 1866.96 -2.89 Bangkok 1295.41 1298.71 -0.25 Jakarta 4412.23 4274.18 +3.23 Manila 5987.09 5889.83 +1.65 Ho Chi Minh 543.59 504.63 +7.72 * The Thomson Reuters South East Asia Index is a highly representative indicator of stocks listed in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Stock Market Volume (shares) Market Current Volume Average Volume 30 days Singapore 204,128,200 179,536,867 Bangkok 6,878,829 4,923,300 Jakarta 2,918,989,200 2,932,950,307 Manila 98,758 65,713 Ho Chi Minh 118,065 85,733- Reuters

Follow this link:
Southeast Asia stocks: Thai shares fall; Vietnam outperforms

BANGKOK: Thai shares hit a three-week high on Thursday on heavy buying in large-caps and banks amid expectations of lower interest rates, despite continuing political uncertainty, while the Philippines rose to a one-week high aided by foreign buying. The key SET index ended up 1.9 percent at 1,301.48, the highest since Dec. 26, with Advanced Info Service and Krung Thai Bank among the top gainers. Trading volume was relatively high, with technical-led buying heavy around the 1,300 level, said Teerawut Kanniphakul, strategist at broker CIMB Securities (Thailand). Domestic institutions bought shares for a third consecutive session on Thursday, Thomson Reuters data showed. A number of so-called trigger funds, which redeem when the index hits a target level, have piled into low-valuation shares, said Phillip Securities. However, caution remained as protests in Bangkok escalated, trying to force out the government and calling for a reform before an election. The caretaker government has confirmed a general election will be held on Feb. 2. Citi Research said the unpredictable politics could increase the chances of a rate cut by the Bank of Thailand's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) next week. "Even if the rate cut event doesn't happen next week, pushing back elections as Bangkok is still under siege, may revive the likelihood of more rate stimulus," Citi said in a report dated Jan. 15. Among the bright spots, the Philippine index gained 0.4 percent to 5,982.24, with foreign investors buying shares worth a net 125 million pesos ($2.78 million) while Vietnam rose 1.3 percent to a 3-1/2 year high. Major Southeast Asian markets reversed early gains, with Malaysia sliding 0.6 percent to near seven-week lows ahead of a market holiday on Friday while Indonesian stocks edged down 0.7 percent after a rally earlier in the week. Singapore edged down 0.1 percent, weighed down by commodities shares, including Wilmar International Ltd

SOUTHEAST ASIAN STOCK MARKETS Change on day Market Current Prev Close Pct Move TR SE Asia Index* 385.54 384.98 +0.15 Singapore 3140.44 3143.25 -0.09 Kuala Lumpur 1813.01 1824.03 -0.60 Bangkok 1301.48 1277.03 +1.91 Jakarta 4412.49 4441.59 -0.66 Manila 5982.24 5958.12 +0.40 Ho Chi Minh 533.54 526.68 +1.30 Change on year Market Current End 2013 Pct Move TR SE Asia Index* 385.54 388.37 -0.73 Singapore 3140.44 3167.43 -0.85 Kuala Lumpur 1813.01 1866.96 -2.89 Bangkok 1301.48 1298.71 +0.21 Jakarta 4412.49 4274.18 +3.24 Manila 5982.24 5889.83 +1.57 Ho Chi Minh 533.54 504.63 +5.73 * The Thomson Reuters South East Asia Index is a highly representative indicator of stocks listed in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Stock Market Volume (shares) Market Current Volume Average Volume 30 days Singapore 162,248,400 179,536,867 Kuala Lumpur 188,760,700 103,440,210 Bangkok 6,483,549 4,931,713 Jakarta 3,157,299,900 2,923,579,853 Manila 44,879 66,232 Ho Chi Minh 97,753 86,203- Reuters

Go here to read the rest:
Southeast Stocks - Thai shares breach 1,300; Philippines at 1-week high

BANGKOK: Thai stocks posted modest losses on Friday as some large caps, including PTT and Krung Thai Bank regained early lost ground, while Indonesian shares ended at their highest in one week, helped by inflows and a rise in the rupiah. The Thai SET index eased 0.22 percent, with a 2.5 percent gain on the week, its first in three. It fell 1.4 percent at one point, as investors remained wary of domestic political tensions ahead of a major anti-government protest on Monday. Foreign investors were net sellers of 1.1 billion baht ($33.3 million), trimming their net buying on the week to $73 million, Thomson Reuters data showed. Jakarta's Composite Index climbed 1.3 percent to 4,254.97, the highest close since Jan. 3, erasing its weekly loss to 0.06 percent. Banking shares were actively traded, with shares of Bank Mandiri up almost 6 percent. Jakarta brought in net inflows of $7.92 million on the day, while the rupiah edged up 0.25 percent on Friday. Others in the region ended mixed ahead of Friday's U.S. nonfarm payrolls report. Payrolls are forecast to have risen by a solid 196,000 in December, according to a Reuters survey of economists, just below November's count of 203,000. Singapore was down 0.05 percent on the day, while rising 0.4 percent on the week. Malaysia eased 0.09 percent on the day and was down 0.4 percent on the week. The Philippines dropped 1.6 percent on the day, taking its weekly loss to 1.8 percent. Vietnam's benchmark VN Index gained 0.38 percent, and was the region's outperformer with a weekly gain of 2.7 percent. SOUTHEAST ASIAN STOCK MARKETS Change on day Market Current Prev Close Pct Move TR SE Asia Index* 381.45 381.27 +0.05 Singapore 3143.87 3145.41 -0.05 Kuala Lumpur 1826.61 1828.21 -0.09 Bangkok 1255.45 1258.26 -0.22 Jakarta 4254.97 4201.22 +1.28 Manila 5842.88 5937.51 -1.59 Ho Chi Minh 518.94 516.98 +0.38 Change on year Market Current End 2013 Pct Move TR SE Asia Index* 381.45 388.37 -1.78 Singapore 3143.87 3167.43 -0.74 Kuala Lumpur 1826.61 1866.96 -2.16 Bangkok 1255.45 1298.71 -3.33 Jakarta 4254.97 4274.18 -0.45 Manila 5842.88 5889.83 -0.80 Ho Chi Minh 518.94 504.63 +2.84 * The Thomson Reuters South East Asia Index is a highly representative indicator of stocks listed in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Stock Market Volume (shares) Market Current Volume Average Volume 30 days Singapore 185,160,800 179,644,990 Kuala Lumpur 114,671,400 102,383,417 Bangkok 4,277,621 5,091,586 Jakarta 2,963,737,800 2,861,703,257 Manila 38,649 67,630

Ho Chi Minh 107,180 85,701 - Reuters

See the original post here:
Southeast Asia Stocks: Mixed, Thai Shares Trim Losses