Industrial index hits 19-month high

The Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) hit a 19-month high in July mainly because of increasing purchase orders and sales together with higher productivity and profitability, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) reported on Tuesday. A figure above 100 means that confidence remains good. The TISI rose from 83.5 points in June to 89.9 points in July, thanks to the economic stimulus measures carried out by Thailand and foreign countries. The FTI forecast that the index may reach 96.7 points in the next three months. The nongovernmental organisation said industry was concerned about increasing operating costs due to rising fuel prices. The figure was lower than 100, indicating that confidence was still weak, the FTI said. (Bangkok Post)