Singapore Stocks End Higher Amid Thin Trading
Market Overview
Singapore stocks ended higher on Monday (December 30) despite declines across the region. The Straits Times Index rose 0.6 per cent or 24.1 points to 3,795.73.
Gainers and Losers
Sembcorp Industries was the top gainer on the index, gaining 1.7 per cent or S$0.09 to S$5.54. Thai Beverage was at the bottom of the table, having fallen 0.9 per cent or S$0.005 to S$0.545. All three banks also closed in positive territory. OCBC rose 1.1 per cent or S$0.18 to S$16.70. UOB gained 0.9 per cent or S$0.34 to S$36.36, and DBS rose 0.7 per cent or S$0.30 to S$43.85.
Broader Market Trends
Across the broader market, gainers beat losers 264 to 206, with 588.2 million securities worth S$676.2 million changing hands.
Regional Market Trends
Across the region, markets fell amid cautious trading. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index shed 1 per cent, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index and South Korea’s Kospi each declined 0.2 per cent.
Expert Analysis
SPI Asset Management managing partner Stephen Innes noted that the mood towards the end of the year has moved towards risk mitigation, overshadowing the usual risk-seeking behaviour of previous "Santa Rallies". He attributed the rise in 10-year US yields to the term premium, reflecting compensation for elevated inflation expectations rather than growth prospects.
Conclusion
The Singapore stock market ended higher on Monday, despite declines across the region. The broader market saw gainers outperform losers, with a significant volume of securities changing hands. However, regional markets fell amid cautious trading, with experts attributing the trend to risk mitigation and elevated inflation expectations.
FAQs
Q: What was the performance of the Singapore stock market on Monday?
A: The Straits Times Index rose 0.6 per cent or 24.1 points to 3,795.73.
Q: Which stocks performed well on the index?
A: Sembcorp Industries, OCBC, UOB, and DBS were among the top gainers.
Q: What was the performance of regional markets?
A: Japan’s Nikkei 225 index shed 1 per cent, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index and South Korea’s Kospi each declined 0.2 per cent.
Q: What is the outlook for the market in 2025?
A: Experts are cautious, citing the unpredictability of US trade policy under the incoming administration and the potential for further monetary easing.
