Thai share gains continue

Meanwhile, goods news also included the US Federal Reserve's decision to slash its key interest rate to virtually zero to counter deflation and a global financial crisis as European governments braced for deeper recession. The central bank's Federal Open Market Committee lowered its target federal funds rate from 1.0 per cent, already at a historic low, to a range of zero to 0.25 per cent.

 The rate action had been widely expected as the world's largest economy sinks deeper into a year-old recession and the worldwide credit crunch cripples advanced economies and slows emerging economies. International organisations have urged all economies to launch economic stimulus measures.

 On the same day, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority also cut its key interest rate by 100 basis points to 0.50 per cent.

 As the market closed at noon, the Stock Exchange of Thailand composite index gained 5.59 points or 1.26 per cent, to 450.90 points on turnover of Bt11.32 billion.

 Thai shares on Tuesday closed 1.89 per cent higher.