Investors await result of impending Thai election

Stock specific growth is anticipated in Thailand, although uncertainty surrounding the financial sector continues to sap investor confidence as the country heads towards another election. Democrat Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai needs to call an election for within three weeks of 6 January. Chuan is not expected to be re-elected, as consensus suggests Chuan's main rival, Thaksin Shinawatra of the Thai Rak Thai party, will be the country's new leader. Whoever wins the election will have to move quickly to restructure the financial sector, says Mike Cearley, emerging markets fund manager at I...