International News 19/09

September 19, 2024 No. 159

Thailand to release more bonds to support economic growth
The Thai government is planning to issue additional bonds in the coming year, with the objective of increasing loans by 8% to 2.6 trillion baht (approximately US$78.2 billion) for the 2025 fiscal year. Of this total, 1.06 trillion baht will be in new loans and 1.53 trillion baht will be extended loans. The government plans to sell approximately 1.25 trillion baht of government bonds and 520 billion baht of treasury bills in fiscal 2025, which will fund over two-thirds of the borrowing target. The debt plan will be on the agenda at the meeting of the Public Debt Policy and Supervision Committee. Furthermore, the government intends to sell bonds between 303 billion baht and 322 billion baht, including sustainability-linked bonds, in the last quarter of this year. The loan plan will be financed by 120 billion baht of obligations. These measures form part of the government's strategy to stimulate economic growth, including initiatives such as a digital wallet giveaway scheme.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/thailand-bakal-rilis-lebih-banyak-surat-utang-topang-pertumbuhan-ekonomi


Microsoft Announces US$60 Billion Share Buyback and 10% Dividend Increase
Microsoft Corp. has announced a new, largest-ever share buyback programme, amounting to $60 billion. This demonstrates the company's commitment to delivering value to its shareholders and strengthening its financial position. The new share buyback programme replaces the one announced last year and has no expiry date, thereby affording Microsoft greater flexibility in managing its market capitalisation and supporting its share price. In addition, the company has announced an increase of 10% in its quarterly dividend, from 75 cents per share to 83 cents per share, effective from 21 November. This move demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to distributing profits to its shareholders and attracting new investors, while also recognising the value of its current shareholders. The decision is indicative of the company's increasing financial strength and is designed to reinforce investor confidence in Microsoft's future prospects.

https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/microsoft-umumkan-buyback-saham-senilai-us60-miliar-dan-kenaikan-dividen-10

 

Oil Prices Continue to Gain on US Production Concerns
Oil prices continued to rise on Tuesday as concerns over US production after Hurricane Francine and expectations of lower crude stockpiles drove the market. Brent crude futures for November delivery increased by 0.2% to reach $72.91 a barrel, while WTI crude for October delivery rose by 0.5% to $70.43 a barrel. The impact of Hurricane Francine on production in the US Gulf of Mexico has resulted in around 12% of crude oil production and 16% of natural gas production being offline. This disruption, combined with expectations of interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve, has provided positive sentiment for oil investors. Lower borrowing costs as a result of rate cuts could boost oil demand and support economic growth. Ongoing supply disruptions further contribute to the upward trend in oil prices.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/harga-minyak-lanjut-menguat-didorong-kekhawatiran-produksi-as#google_vignette