The Thai stock market eased slightly ahead of King Bhumibol’s birthday holiday, with the SET just below the 1,275-point mark. On Thursday, the index dipped 0.08 percent to close at 1,273.77, with 255 decliners and 181 gainers. The global forecast for Asian markets is optimistic, reflecting positive sentiment on interest rates. In the U.S., major averages closed higher on Friday, with the Dow adding 0.22 percent, the NASDAQ gaining 0.31 percent, and the S&P 500 rising 0.19 percent. Consumer price inflation data in line with estimates reinforced optimism about interest rates. Crude oil prices edged higher on geopolitical tensions.

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