Core Viewpoint - The Asian stock markets are showing a warming trend with most indices rising, influenced by global liquidity conditions and trade negotiations, particularly with the recent trade agreement between the US and UK [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Market Performance - The Southeast Asian stock markets have shown positive performance, with Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh Index leading with a weekly increase of 3.34% [1]. - Other Southeast Asian indices also reported gains, including Thailand's SET Index up 1%, Indonesia's JKSE up 0.25%, and Singapore's Straits Index up 0.81% [1]. - The Nikkei 225 in Japan rose by 1.83%, while the KOSPI in South Korea increased by 0.68% [1]. Group 2: Export Growth in Southeast Asia - Southeast Asian countries, particularly Vietnam, are experiencing rapid export growth, with Vietnam's April export year-on-year growth rate at 19.8%, exceeding expectations [3]. - Thailand's exports also exceeded expectations with a 14% year-on-year growth in February, marking the eighth consecutive month of growth [3]. - The region's export performance reflects its rising position in the global supply chain, driven by low production costs and favorable trade agreements [3][4]. Group 3: Monetary Policy and Interest Rates - Several countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Indonesia and Thailand, have implemented interest rate cuts to stimulate economic growth and address global economic uncertainties [5][7]. - The Bank of Korea is expected to lower its benchmark interest rate to 2.25% by the end of Q3 2023 due to concerns over global economic conditions and potential impacts on exports [6][7]. - Japan's central bank remains cautious about raising interest rates, facing challenges such as declining real wages and sluggish domestic consumption [7][8].