* Most have worst quarter in over 2 decades
* Indonesia bans all arrivals and transit by foreigners
* Vietnam to begin 15 days of social distancing
By Arundhati Dutta
March 31 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian markets recorded
their worst monthly drop since 2008 as the coronavirus pandemic
pummelled their economies, although strong factory data from
China pushed most of the indexes higher on Tuesday.
Markets also shed between 15% and 32% in the quarter, and
most posted their biggest quarterly fall in over two decades.
A rise in infections and deaths from the virus were reported
across the region. On the upside, factory activity in China - the region's
biggest trading partner - unexpectedly expanded in March from a
collapse in the previous month, though analysts warn that the
global pandemic would continue to pressure the economy.
Singaporean equities .STI rose over 2%, with big caps
Jardine Matheson Holdings JARD.SI and Jardine Strategic
Holdings JSH.SI adding over 6%, each.
Thai stocks .SETI advanced 3.5%, with gains underpinned by
financial and energy stocks. The Siam Commercial Bank SCB.BK
and PTT Pcl PTT.BK rose 7% and 5.2%, respectively.
Thailand's current account surplus was $5.4 billion in
February, up from a surplus of $3.44 billion in the previous
month, the central bank said on Tuesday. The Indonesian benchmark .JKSE jumped on consumer staples
and healthcare stocks.
Foreign minister Retno Marsudi said Indonesia would ban all
arrivals and transit by foreigners in the country while the
president announced $25 billion spending to fight the virus.
Vietnamese shares .VNI gave up early gains and ended flat.
Vietnam will begin 15 days of social distancing from
Wednesday to curb community transmission, the country's prime
minister said on Tuesday. Shares in Philippines .PSI closed up 3.7%, with index
heavyweight SM Investments SM.PS gaining over 6%.
The Philippine government is looking to import 300,000
tonnes of rice to ensure sufficient domestic supply of the
staple while it seeks to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Asian Companies click;
SOUTHEAST ASIAN STOCK MARKETS
STOCK MARKETS
Change on the
day
Market Current Previous Pct Move
close
Singapore 2481.23 2416.24 2.69
Bangkok 1125.86 1087.82 3.50
Manila 5321.23 5131.16 3.70
Jakarta 4538.93 4414.5 2.82
Kuala Lumpur 1350.89 1328.88 1.66
Ho Chi Minh 662.53 662.26 0.04
Change so far
in 2020
Market Current End 2019 Pct Move
Singapore 2481.23 3222.83 -23.01
Bangkok 1125.86 1579.84 -28.74
Manila 5321.23 7,815.26 -31.91
Jakarta 4538.93 6,299.54 -27.95
Kuala Lumpur 1350.89 1588.76 -14.97
Ho Chi Minh 662.53 960.99 -31.06