Listed companies reported 3Q18 total profit of Bt254bn, +22%YoY. 9M18 profit was Bt780bn, +11%YoY. (Kao Hoon, 19/11/18)

Auto output at 63-month high. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported on Tuesday that automotive output in October was the highest in 63 months, with a rise of 20.62%YoY to 197,203 units. The FTI’s automotive industry club said overall car output from January to October was 1.8 million units, a rise of 9.75%. (Bangkok Post, 20/11/18)

The cabinet authorized the Government Housing Bank to proceed with its “One Million House” project. About Bt60bn will be used for the associated loan program. This will help property developers sell off their inventory. (Kao Hoon, 21/11/18)

Exports jump 8.7%, rebounding from September let-down. Thai exports bounced back in October boosted by higher shipments of fuel, gold, petrochemical and agricultural products after September’s decline of 5.2%YoY, the first dim in 19 months. The Commerce Ministry reported yesterday that customscleared exports rose 8.7%YoY in October, fetching US&21.75bn. (Bangkok Post, 22/11/18)

BOT chief hints interest rate hike in the pipeline. Keeping rates ultra low not necessary, rise may not affect commercial banks: Veerathai Central bank governor Veerathai Santiprabhob has signaled a hike in policy rates, saying keeping the rate ultra low is unnecessary, and that the hike will not necessarily lead to commercial banks increasing their lending rates. (The Nation, 22/11/18)

EC chief sees no reason to delay elections. The chief election commissioner said yesterday that he saw no reason for the election to be delayed, though a decision on the matter will be made after the junta’s organs meet with political parties. (The Nation, 23/11/18)

A key Fed official stays the course on U.S. rate hikes amid growing doubts. The Federal Reserve is pushing ahead with gradual rate-hike plans next month as it marches toward a more normal policy stance that would keep the economy expanding, one of its most influential members said on Monday in the face of growing doubts in financial markets (Reuters, 20/11/18).’

USTR says China has failed to alter ‘unfair, unreasonable’ trade practices. The Trump administration on Tuesday said that China has failed to alter its “unfair” practices at the heart of the U.S.- China trade conflict, adding to tensions ahead of a high-stakes meeting later this month between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Reuters, 21/11/18).

EU begins disciplinary procedures against Italy after rejecting its controversial budget plans. The European Commission is moving closer to sanctioning Italy for its 2019 draft budget proposal. Italy wants to increase welfare spending and to roll back on some reforms and taxes. (CNBC, 22/11/18).

EU, Britain agree draft declaration on post-Brexit ties. The EU and Britain on Thursday agreed a draft declaration laying out plans for “ambitious, broad, deep and flexible” relations after Brexit, setting the stage for the divorce to be finalized at a weekend summit. (AFP, 22/11/18)