Connect with us

Business

Bank of Thailand Reports Non-Performing Loans Hit Highest Rate in Asia

Bank of Thailand Reports Non-Performing Hit Highest Rate in Asia

Thailand ranks first among ASEAN countries in terms of vulnerable debtors and non-performing loans is seeking debt relief from the Central Bank. According to statistics from a credit rating agency, Thai borrowers who participate in the central bank’s debt relief programmes account for 11% of all borrowers, the highest proportion compared to a range of 1-5% in Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and China.

The share in Australia and New Zealand is 1%, according to Suwannee Jatsadasak, the Bank of Thailand’s associate governor in charge of supervision. According to the research, Thai debtors are more vulnerable than many other countries, as the epidemic had a significant influence on them.

Thailand’s household debt-to-GDP ratio has been high for some time, and the country’s economic recovery from the pandemic has been slower than its regional rivals.

“Thailand’s household debt-to-GDP tallied 90.9% in the third quarter of 2023, and the ratio is expected to increase to 91% in the fourth quarter due to higher growth of consumer loans than Thai economic growth,” she said.

Furthermore, the Bank of Thailand revealed on Monday that the whole banking industry’s non-performing loans (NPLs) in the fourth quarter of 2023 were 2.66%, a little reduction from 2.7% the previous quarter.

However, the NPL percentage for consumer loans grew to 2.88% in the fourth quarter of last year, up from 2.79% the previous quarter.

Non-Performing Loans increase

Consumer credit non-performing loans (NPLs) are increasing across all loan categories, particularly mortgage non-performing loans, which increased to 3.33% in the fourth quarter of 2023 from 3.24% the previous quarter.

Auto loan non-performing loans grew to 2.13% from 2.10%, while credit card NPLs increased to 3.57% from 3.34%. According to central bank data, the NPL ratio for personal loans has grown to 2.13% from 2.1%.

Ms Suwannee stated that rising non-performing loans in housing loans were primarily attributable to low-income borrowers earning less than 30,000 baht per month and acquiring a house for less than 3 million baht.

Furthermore, recent interest rate hikes have had an impact on borrowers’ ability to repay loans in the face of slow economic development.

A minimum retail rate (MRR) is charged on around 90% of all housing loans. However, in recent months, the MRR has climbed by fewer percentage points than the minimum loan rate and minimum overdraft rate, easing the financial strain on individual borrowers.

The central bank anticipates that non-performing loans for home loans will continue to rise in the first quarter of this year. However, the loan product’s higher bad debt would be attributed to borrowers of specialised financial institutions, and state-owned banks have implemented procedures to assist vulnerable borrowers, Ms Suwannee explained.

Furthermore, she stated that the Bank of Thailand would consult with the National Economic and Social Development Council after the state planning agency requested that the central bank cut the credit card debt minimum payment rate to 5%, down from 8% currently.

Thailand’s GDP Revised

Meanwhile, Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has revised down GDP growth for 2023 and 2024 to 1.9% and 2.7%, respectively, indicating that the Bank of Thailand will utilise financial measures to assist the economy, according to secretary-general Danucha Pichayanan.

Yesterday, the NESDC announced the results of the 2023 economic expansion and its growth prediction for 2024, both of which were lower than its earlier forecasts of 2.5% and 2.7-3.7% (with an average of 3.2%).

Mr Danucha stated that in order to boost the economy and lessen the burden on individuals and small and medium-sized organisations (SMEs), the central bank should seriously consider lowering interest rates, particularly the net interest margin (NIM), which is now around 5%.

“In recent years, the government has implemented numerous stimulus measures to boost tourism, encourage investment, and accelerate the disbursement of the state budget. As a following stage, the government should use financial measures to boost the economy,” Mr Danucha stated.

The state planning agency wants financial institutions to lower the NIM to help SMEs and families manage their debt. Meanwhile, the NIM has no meaningful effect on huge corporations.

Mr Danucha stated that the central bank should extend its debt assistance measures by keeping the minimum payment rate for credit card debt at 5% for a period of time (it expired at the end of December last year) rather than the current rate of 8% to prevent non-performing loans (NPLs) among SMEs and households.

Public investment forecast to fall

Public investment and consumption fell 4.6% in 2023 compared to 2022, owing to a delay in the payout of the fiscal 2023 budget as a result of the general election.

Exports of products and services in 2023 increased by 2.1%, down from 6.1% in 2022. The value of exported goods in US dollars is predicted to fall by 1.7%, compared to a 5.4% increase in 2022. Import volumes decreased by 2.2%, compared to a 3.6% increase in 2022.

GDP growth in 2024 is predicted to range between 2.2 and 3.2%, with an average of 2.7%, thanks to a number of positive factors. Public investment is forecast to fall by 1.8%, while public consumption is expected to rise by 1.5%. Private investment and private consumption are expected to grow by 3.5% and 3%, respectively.

Government investment is predicted to be less negative, standing at -1.8%. Government consumption is up 1.5%, while private investment and consumption have grown by 3.5% and 3%, respectively.

Exports of products and services are forecast to increase by 5% in 2024, while export value in US dollars is expected to rise by 2.9%.

Import volumes will increase by 3% in 2024.

This year, the export industry will be a key driver of the economy, along with increased private investment. Meanwhile, low inflation and low unemployment continue to encourage domestic spending.

However, the Thai economy remains vulnerable in 2024 as a result of a seven-month delay in state budget preparation for fiscal 2024, rising household debt, particularly special mention (SM) vehicle loans, drought, global financial system volatility, and geopolitical concerns.

China’s economy continues to face internal challenges, particularly a liquidity shortage in the real estate industry, which may have an influence on Thailand’s export sector.

Business

PepsiCo Reduces Revenue Projections As North American Snacks And Key International Markets Underperform.

Pepsi

(VOR News) – In the third quarter of this year, Pepsi’s net income was $2.93 billion, which is equivalent to $2.13 per share. This was attributed to the company.

This is in stark contrast to net income of $3.09 billion, which is equivalent to $2.24 per share, during the same period in the previous year. The company’s earnings per share were $2.31 when expenses were excluded.

Net sales decreased by 0.6%, totaling $23.32 billion. Organic sales increased by 1.3% during the quarter when the effects of acquisitions, divestitures, and currency changes are excluded.

Pepsi’s beverage sales fell this quarter.

The most recent report indicates that the beverage and food sectors of the organization experienced a 2% decline in volume. Consumers of all income levels are demonstrating a change in their purchasing habits, as indicated by CEOs’ statements from the previous quarter.

Pepsi’s entire volume was adversely affected by the lackluster demand they encountered in North America. An increasing number of Americans are becoming more frugal, reducing the number of snacks they ingest, and reducing the number of times they purchase at convenience stores.

Furthermore, Laguarta observed that the increase in sales was partially attributed to the election that occurred in Mexico during the month of June.

The most significant decrease in volume was experienced by Quaker Foods North America, which was 13%. In December, the company announced its initial recall in response to a potential salmonella infection.

Due to the probability of an illness, the recall was extended in January. Pepsi officially closed a plant that was implicated in the recalls in June, despite the fact that manufacturing had already been halted.

Jamie Caulfield, the Chief Financial Officer of Pepsi and Laguarta, has indicated that the recalls are beginning to have a lessening effect.

Frito-Lay experienced a 1.5% decline in volume in North America. The company has been striving to improve the value it offers to consumers and the accessibility of its snack line, which includes SunChips, Cheetos, and Stacy’s pita chips, in the retail establishments where it is sold.

Despite the fact that the category as a whole has slowed down in comparison to the results of previous years, the level of activity within the division is progressively increasing.

Pepsi executives issued a statement in which they stated that “Salty and savory snacks have underperformed year-to-date after outperforming packaged food categories in previous years.”

Pepsi will spend more on Doritos and Tostitos in the fall and winter before football season.

The company is currently promoting incentive packets for Tostitos and Ruffles, which contain twenty percent more chips than the standard package.

Pepsi is expanding its product line in order to more effectively target individuals who are health-conscious. The business announced its intention to acquire Siete Foods for a total of $1.2 billion approximately one week ago. The restaurant serves Mexican-American cuisine, which is typically modified to meet the dietary needs of a diverse clientele.

The beverage segment of Pepsi in North America experienced a three percent decrease in volume. Despite the fact that the demand for energy drinks, such as Pepsi’s Rockstar, has decreased as a result of consumers visiting convenience stores, the sales of well-known brands such as Gatorade and Pepsi have seen an increase throughout the quarter.

Laguarta expressed his opinion to the analysts during the company’s conference call, asserting, “I am of the opinion that it is a component of the economic cycle that we are currently experiencing, and that it will reverse itself in the future, once consumers feel better.”

Additionally, it has been noted that the food and beverage markets of South Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa have experienced a decline in sales volume. The company cut its forecast for organic revenue for the entire year on Tuesday due to the business’s second consecutive quarter of lower-than-anticipated sales.

The company’s performance during the quarter was adversely affected by the Quaker Foods North America recalls, the decrease in demand in the United States, and the interruptions that occurred in specific international markets, as per the statements made by Chief Executive Officer Ramon Laguarta.

Pepsi has revised its forecast for organic sales in 2024, shifting from a 4% growth rate to a low single-digit growth rate. The company reiterated its expectation that the core constant currency profitability per share will increase by a minimum of 8% in comparison to the previous year.

The company’s shares declined by less than one percent during premarket trading. The following discrepancies between the company’s report and the projections of Wall Street were identified by LSEG in a survey of analysts:

SOURCE: CNBC

SEE ALSO:

Old National Bank And Infosys Broaden Their Strategic Partnership.

Continue Reading

Business

Old National Bank And Infosys Broaden Their Strategic Partnership.

Infosys

(VOR News) – Old National Bank, a commercial bank with its headquarters in the Midwest, and Infosys, a firm that specializes in information technology, have recently entered into a strategic expansion of their link, which has been in place for the past four years.

This expansion is more likely to take place sooner rather than later, with the likelihood being higher.

For the purpose of making it possible for Old National Bank to make use of the services, solutions, and platforms that are offered by Infosys, the objective of this expansion is to make it possible for the bank to transform its operations and processes through the application of automation and GenAI, as well as to change significant business areas.

This lets the bank leverage Infosys’ services, solutions, and platforms.

Old National Bank Chairman and CEO Jim Ryan said, “At Old National, we are committed to creating exceptional experiences for both our customers and our fellow employees.”

This statement is applicable to Old National Bank. Infosys is carefully managing the business process innovations that it is putting us through, putting a strong emphasis on efficiency and value growth throughout the process to ensure that it is carried out efficiently.

This is a routine occurrence throughout the entire operation. Because of Infosys’ dedication to our development and success, we are incredibly appreciative of the assistance they have provided.

Old National has been receiving assistance from Infosys in the process of updating its digital environment since the year 2020, according to the aforementioned company.

Ever since that time, the company has been providing assistance. The provision of this assistance has been accomplished through the utilization of a model that is not only powerful but also capable of functioning on its own power.

Infosys currently ranks Old National thirty-first out of the top thirty US banks.

This ranking is based on the fact that Old National is the nation’s largest banking corporation.

It is estimated that the total value of the company’s assets is approximately fifty-three billion dollars, while the assets that are currently being managed by the organization are valued at thirty billion dollars.

Dennis Gada, the Executive Vice President and Global Head of Banking and Financial Services, stated that “Old National Bank and Infosys possess a robust cultural and strategic alignment in the development, management, and enhancement of enterprise-scale solutions to transform the bank’s operations and facilitate growth.”

This remark referenced the exceptional cultural and strategic synergy between the two organizations. Dennis Gada is the one who asserted this claim. This was articulated explicitly concerning the exceptional cultural congruence and strategy alignment of the two organizations.

We are pleased to announce that the implementation of Infosys Topaz will substantially expedite the transformation of Old National Bank’s business processes and customer service protocols. We are exceedingly enthusiastic about this matter. We are quite thrilled about this specific component of the scenario.

Medium-sized banks operating regionally will continue to benefit from our substantial expertise in the sector, technology, and operations. This specific market segment of Infosys will persist in benefiting from our extensive experience. This phenomenon will enable this market sector to sustain substantial growth and efficiency benefits.

SOURCE: THBL

SEE ALSO:

American Water, The Largest Water Utility In US, Is Targeted By A Cyberattack

States Sue TikTok, Claiming Its Platform Is Addictive And Harms The Mental Health Of Children

Qantas Airways Apologizes After R-Rated Film Reportedly Airs On Every Screen During Flight

Continue Reading

Business

American Water, The Largest Water Utility In US, Is Targeted By A Cyberattack

water

The largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States stated Monday that it had been the target of a cyberattack, forcing the company to halt invoicing to consumers.

water

American Water, The Largest Water Utility In US, Is Targeted By A Cyberattack

American Water, based in New Jersey and serving over 14 million people in 14 states and 18 military facilities, said it learned of the unauthorized activity on Thursday and quickly took precautions, including shutting down certain systems. The business does not believe the attack had an impact on its facilities or operations and said employees were working “around the clock” to determine the origin and scale of the attack.

water

The corporation stated that it has alerted legal enforcement and is cooperating with them. It also stated that consumers will not be charged late fees while its systems are unavailable.

According to their website, American Water operates over 500 water and wastewater systems in around 1,700 communities across California, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

SOURCE | AP

Continue Reading

Trending