Listed companies' earnings drop 6% in Q3

 When global economy showed weaker growth, their combined net profits dropped to Bt97.85 billion, though combined turnover was as high as Bt2 trillion.

 In the first nine months, the earnings however rose 26 per cent Bt394 billion on top of combined turnover of Bt5.7 trillion.

 "The increase in the nine-month earnings and turnover demonstrated Thai companies' resilience to the global financial and economic crisis," said SET President Patareeya Benjapholchai.

 By industry, the Resources sector which contains energy stocks like PTT showed the combined net profit of Bt153.48 billion, up 2 per cent on year. Oil prices peaked in July at US$147 a barrel and plunged sharply in the subsequent months.

 Those in the Financials sector - including banks, securities companies and insurance companies - posted combined earnings of Bt78.6 billion, up 199 per cent from the same period last year.

 The Property & Construction sector's combined earnings reached Bt45.8 billion, down 22 per cent.

 Providers of industrial raw materials reported earnings of Bt37.96 billion, up 77 per cent on year. Combined earnings of technology-related companies were Bt34.7 billion, up 34 per cent.

 Those in Services sector which include media and hotel companies showed a 21 per cent drop in earnings to Bt18.4 billion.

 Thanks to the sharp hikes in average prices, those in the agricultural and food sector enjoyed a 112 per cent increase in net profits, at Bt16.96 billion.

 Those in the consumer products also enjoyed a 48 per cent increase in net profits, at Bt4.25 billion.