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SE Asia Stocks-Most rise as new virus cases fall; Thailand lower

* Singapore snaps 4-session losing streak * Thailand 2020 GDP growth to be lower than forecast - c.bank * Indonesia up for 3rd straight session By Arundhati Dutta Feb 19 (Reuters) - Most Southeast Asian stock markets rose on Wednesday as the rate of new coronavirus infections in China slowed, while Thailand fell after its central bank projected a bleak outlook for economic growth this year. Chinese authorities reported the lowest daily rise in new virus cases since Jan. 29 on Wednesday, as the number of new infections fell for a second straight day. The mood was also lifted by expectations that China - the region's biggest trading partner - would lower its benchmark loan prime rate on Thursday. Philippine stocks gained 1%, the most in the two weeks, and led gains in the region. Conglomerates SM Investments and Ayala Land firmed more than 2.5% each. The Indonesian benchmark rose for the third straight session, supported by financials. Lender PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk added 1.6%. Bank Indonesia is also set to cut interest rates on Thursday, according to a slim majority of analysts polled by Reuters. "Asia seems confident that the region's governments will 'do what it takes' to offset the coronavirus slowdown," Jeffrey Halley, an analyst at OANDA, said in a note. Halley added that Singapore's "blockbuster budget stimulus" on Tuesday further added to hopes that other regions will follow suit. The city-state had announced around $4.5 billion in financial packages to help contain the virus outbreak. Singaporean equities ended a four-session losing streak, as index heavyweights United Overseas Bank and DBS Group Holdings rose 0.9% and 0.2%, respectively. However, the Thai index erased early gains to close 0.5% lower, dragged down by utilities stocks. Thailand's central bank said the country's economy will grow at a much slower pace than previously forecast this year and much further below its potential, in a minutes of meeting earlier this month when it cut interest rates to a record low. In December, the bank had predicted growth of 2.8% for 2020, but recently said it might be less than 2%. For Asian Companies click; SOUTHEAST ASIAN STOCK MARKETS Change on the day Market Current Previous close Pct Move Singapore 3213.71 3196.63 0.53 Bangkok 1505.54 1513.68 -0.54 Manila 7396.94 7322.89 1.01 Jakarta 5928.791 5886.962 0.71 Kuala Lumpur 1534.16 1537.08 -0.19 Ho Chi Minh 928.76 927.93 0.09 Change so far in 2020 Market Current End 2019 Pct Move Singapore 3213.71 3222.83 -0.28 Bangkok 1505.54 1579.84 -4.70 Manila 7396.94 7,815.26 -5.35 Jakarta 5928.791 6,299.54 -5.89 Kuala Lumpur 1534.16 1588.76 -3.44 Ho Chi Minh 928.76 960.99 -3.35 (Reporting by Arundhati Dutta; Editing by xxxx)