Ms. Wilasini Boonmasungtrong, Director of Research at Globlex Securities Co., Ltd. or GBS, revealed that the direction of the Thai stock market remains volatile in a sideways manner, supported by news of the development of a COVID-19 antiviral drug. Trials have shown that patients receiving Remdesivir can recover rapidly, while WTI crude oil prices continue to pressure energy stocks. The index is expected to move within the range of 1,220 - 1,270 points. The Thai stock market is showing increasingly positive signals as the number of COVID-19 cases has consistently decreased over the past week.

However, it is anticipated that we may see a gradual lifting of lockdowns for low-risk businesses once the emergency decree period ends later this month. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump announced guidelines for reopening the U.S. economy as COVID-19 cases in various states begin to slow down, aligning with the trend seen in European countries, indicating the start of measures to revive the economy after weeks of lockdown.

Additionally, the development of COVID-19 antiviral drugs is progressing in several countries, including the U.S., China, and the UK. In Thailand, COVID-19 vaccine trials are being conducted on animals, and a study by the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine has found that Andrographis paniculata has antiviral properties in vitro. Therefore, it must be acknowledged that these factors signal positive prospects for investment.

Investors should closely monitor the situation this week, including a cabinet meeting, while the EU will release economic confidence data for April, and the U.S. will report on existing home sales for May. Additionally, the AOT board will discuss further assistance measures for the aviation sector and non-aviation businesses, while the U.S. will release the February home price index and weekly oil stock data. The EU will also release the Purchasing Managers' Index for manufacturing and services for April from Markit, along with the weekly unemployment claims in the U.S. and the March new home sales data.

As the index begins to recover, the research team has assessed individual stock strategies worth watching. Mr. Natthawut Wongyowarak, Director of Research at Globlex Securities, recommends investing in stocks expected to perform well due to minimal impact from COVID-19, such as ADVANC, DTAC, and TRUE. Additionally, he suggests investing in stocks that benefit from the lockdown, such as MAKRO, BJC, CPALL, TU, and TFMAMA. For gold prices, it is estimated that this week, gold will trade within the range of $1,650 - $1,710 per troy ounce, or approximately 25,260 - 26,270 Thai baht per baht of gold.