Straits Times Index

Singapore Manufacturing Sector Business Confidence Eases for July-December

Singapore's manufacturing sector remained optimistic about business conditions for the July-December period, though confidence eased from the previous survey, according to data released by the Singapore Economic Development Board on Friday.The net weighted balance stood at 12%, missing the 14% consensus forecast tracked by Trading Economics.The reading was also down from 17% in the April-September survey.The precision engineering cluster was the most optimistic, posting a net weighted balance of 55%, followed by electronics at 19%, while chemicals was the most pessimistic as firms continued to anticipate feedstock supply disruptions from the Middle East.Looking ahead, the output forecast for the third quarter showed a net weighted balance of 26%, led by precision engineering, electronics, and transport engineering.

Singapore Service Sector Turns Optimistic in Q3

Business expectations among service providers in Singapore turned positive in the third quarter, with a net weighted balance of 13% of firms expecting a more favorable outlook over the next six months, according to survey data from Statistics Singapore released Friday.This marks a rebound from the negative 4% net balance recorded in the previous quarter, which was influenced by tensions in the Middle East.For the July-December 2026 period, 19% of firms are optimistic about business conditions, while 6% expect deteriorating conditions.

Treasury2d ago

Kawasaki Heavy Industries Files for Singapore Listing of 100 Billion Yen Bonds

Kawasaki Heavy Industries (TYO:7012) filed for the listing of 100 billion yen bonds on the Singapore bourse, according to a filing with the Singapore Exchange on Friday.The motorcycle manufacturer filed for 50 billion yen zero coupon convertible bonds due 2031 and 50 billion zero coupon convertible bonds due 2033.The bonds will be listed and quoted on the Bonds Market on or about Aug. 3, the filing said.

^STITYO:7012

Singapore's Unemployment Rate Steadies at 2% in Q2

Singapore's unemployment rate remained unchanged in the second quarter at 2% from the previous quarter, according to preliminary data from the Ministry of Manpower released Friday.The reading matched the Trading Economics forecast of 2.1%.Total employment grew by 10,700 during the second quarter of the year, compared with 10,400 a year earlier.

Singapore's Banking Sector Lends Record SG$931.4 Billion in June

Singapore's banking sector lent a record SG$931.4 billion to consumers and businesses in June, up from SG$917.7 billion in May, according to preliminary data released Friday by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.The lending value beat the Trading Economics forecast of SG$884.1 billion, and compared with SG$853.3 billion in loans extended a year earlier.Business loans jumped to SG$569.3 billion from SG$557.8 billion in May, while consumer loans edged up to SG$362.1 billion from SG$360 billion a month earlier.

Asia2d ago

Singapore Shares Open Lower as Investors Eye Interest Rate Decisions

Singapore shares opened under pressure on Friday as investors held a cautious view over interest rates by central banks globally, with the Bank of Japan scheduled to give its decision later in the day.The Straits Times Index was down 0.70%, or 39.79 points, to open at 5,633.790.The US Federal Reserve and the Bank of England left interest rates unchanged; the focus will now be on the Bank of Japan.All 52 economists surveyed by Bloomberg forecast the Bank of Japan will keep its key interest rates unchanged on Friday, and investors will keenly watch for any signals from Governor Kazuo Ueda on the next rate increase.

^STISGX:E3BSGX:Z59SGX:Z74

Asia3d ago

Singapore Shares Incur Losses as US Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates

Singapore shares fell on Thursday, tracking regional losses as the US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, prompting concerns over the ability of chief Kevin Warsh to bring down inflation.The Straits Times Index (STI), a key benchmark for the Singapore Exchange, ranged between 5,638.94 and 5,683.35 throughout the day. It ended the session at 5,673.58, down 39.61 points or 0.7% compared to Wednesday's close.On the corporate front, shares of Wee Hur (SGX:E3B) were down nearly 1% at the close as its subsidiary, Wee Hur (Hong Kong), formed a joint venture with WM (Hong Kong) to establish Wee Hur Bedford.Yoma Strategic (SGX:Z59) closed over 1% higher as its subsidiary, Yoma Development Group, disclosed an entry into a joint venture with Yangon Nominees to develop the Moe Ma Kha Garden Residence project in Myanmar.Meanwhile, shares of Singtel (SGX:Z74) were down nearly 1% as its Australian unit, Optus, was informed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority about proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against it over an alleged breach by Optus Mobile over several provisions of the Telecommunications Determination 2019.

Treasury3d ago

Fantasia Holdings Files for Singapore Listing of $2 Billion Bonds

Fantasia Holdings (HKG:1777) filed for the listing of $1.96 billion bonds on the Singapore bourse, according to a filing with the Singapore Exchange on Thursday.The real estate company filed for $501.2 million zero coupon mandatory guaranteed convertible bonds due 2027, $642 million 3.0% senior bonds due 2031 and $821.7 million 3.0% senior bonds due 2034.The bonds will be listed and quoted on the Bonds Market on or about July 31, the filing said.

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Treasury3d ago

ICICI Bank Files for Singapore Listing of $1 Billion Bonds

ICICI Bank (BOM:532174) filed for the listing of $1 billion 5.459% senior bonds due 2031 on the Singapore bourse, according to a filing with the Singapore Exchange on Thursday.The bonds are expected to be listed and quoted on the Bonds Market on or about July 31, the bank said.

^STIBOM:532174

Asia3d ago

Singapore Unveils SG$900 Million Support Package for Businesses, Households Amid Iran War Pressure

The Singapore government has rolled out a second support package of around SG$900 million to help people and businesses manage cost pressures caused by the Middle East crisis, according to an official statement on Wednesday.The new packpage adds to the first round launched in April, which takes the total support to around $2 billion, besides the support measures announced at Budget 2026, the Ministry ⁠of Finance said.Among other measures, households will receive vouchers and utilities rebates while stallholders in market and hawker centres will get rental support, while small and medium-sized enterprises will receive a grant of SG$500 per local employee, up to a cap of SG$2,500 per company.Also, all Singaporean households will receive an additional SG$300 in Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers in January 2027, which will be valid till the end of the year.To support lower-income households, the government said it will exercise greater flexibility in income eligibility criteria, which is currently SG$800 per month per capita household income, and increase assistance to at least SG$250 per month. These enhancements will take effect from August to December.

Asia3d ago

Singapore Shares Open Lower as Middle East Tensions Drive Oil Prices Up

Singapore shares opened lower on Thursday after the U.S. Federal Reserve maintained its benchmark interest rate and rising crude oil prices weighed on investor sentiment.The Straits Times Index was down 1.30%, or 74.25 points, to open at 5,638.940.In a press conference on Wednesday, US Fed Reserve Chair Warsh, said the decision was driven by concerns over inflation, which has remained above the Fed's medium-term target of 2%.Investor sentiment was also dented by the Brent Crude hovering near the $90 mark after Trump threatened more strikes against Iran. A drop in US oil inventories also weighed on oil prices.

Singapore Shares Surge Despite AI Sell-Off; Metech International Plunges 21%

Singapore shares surged nearly 2% on Wednesday, with regional equities mixed as anxiety over AI stocks valuations lingered, with investors guarded over massive spending.The Straits Times Index (STI), a key benchmark for the Singapore Exchange, ranged between 5,611.59 and 5,713.19 throughout the day. It ended the session at 5,713.19, up 97.08 points or 1.7% compared to Tuesday's close.In economic news, Singapore's export prices rose 12.7% year over year in June, according to data from the Singapore Department of Statistics.Meanwhile, Factory-gate prices in Singapore were mixed in June, with the Domestic Supply Price Index rising 30.3% year over year, while the Singapore Manufactured Products Price Index increased 31.1%, according to the Singapore Department of Statistics.On the corporate front, shares of Metech International (SGX:V3M) plunged nearly 21% at the close as it received a listing and quotation notice from the Singapore Exchange for its placement of 72 million shares at SG$0.040 per share.Meanwhile, Keppel REIT's (SGX:K71U) shares closed nearly 3% higher as its distribution per unit, or DPU, slipped 4% to SG$0.0261 in the first half of 2026 ended June 30, from SG$0.0272 a year earlier.

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International4d ago

Singapore Export Prices Rise 12.7 in June, Import Prices Up 13.6%

Singapore's export prices rose 12.7% year over year in June, according to data from the Singapore Department of Statistics on Wednesday.The latest pace of expansion eased from the 14.6% rise in May, missing the 13.7% growth forecast by Trading Economics.Meanwhile, import prices edged up 13.6% year over year, slowing from the 18.5% increase in May.

International4d ago

Singapore's Producer Price Inflation Slows in June

Factory-gate prices in Singapore were mixed in June, with the Domestic Supply Price Index rising 30.3% year over year, while the Singapore Manufactured Products Price Index increased 31.1%, according to the Singapore Department of Statistics on Wednesday.The Domestic Supply Price Index growth eased from the 34.1% increase logged in May, and missed the Trading Economics forecast for a 33% increase.The Manufactured Products Price Index expansion accelerated from the 30.9% growth recorded in May.On a month-on-month basis, the Domestic Supply Price Index fell 2.5% in June after declining 2.0% in May, while the Singapore Manufactured Products Price Index slipped 0.7%, extending the 0.2% decline recorded in May.

MAS Chief Flags Sustainability of AI Investment as Key Risk to Financial Stability

The Monetary Authority of Singapore has flagged the sustainability of the global AI investment boom as a major uncertainty for financial stability, according to remarks by managing director, Chia Der Jiun on Tuesday.Speaking at the central bank's annual report media conference, Chia highlighted AI-driven electronics exports accounted for more than 70% of Asia's export growth year-to-date, up from 46% in 2024.While near-term investments are backed by committed orders and strong hyperscaler cash flows, there is still greater uncertainty over the medium term, with hyperscalers and model builders requiring large equity and debt financing in the coming years.Moreover, markets will need to look at commercial revenue growth to justify financing risks.Escalating energy, chip costs, raw material supply bottlenecks, regulatory uncertainty and intense competition among model providers were cited as clear risks to AI investment monetization.

Singapore Shares Open Higher on Hopes of Resolution to Middle East Crisis

Singapore shares opened with gains on Wednesday as hopes for a diplomatic solution to the Middle East conflict led to an easing of global oil prices.The Straits Times Index was up 0.08%, or 4.51 points, to open at 5,611.590.Sentiment received a boost following a high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday.This marks their first in-person talks after the Middle East war began earlier in the year. The talks prompted hopes for renewed peace efforts, while lower oil prices are also expected to reduce the pressure on the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision later this week.

^STISGX:D05SGX:O39SGX:S68SGX:U11

MAS, Singapore Banks Launch AI Cyber Taskforce

The Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) have established a task force to combat emerging threats from frontier AI models, according to a statement on Tuesday.The AI-Driven Cyber and Technology Risk Taskforce (ACT) brings together leaders from MAS, ABS, major banks DBS Group (SGX:D05), OCBC (SGX:O39), and UOB (SGX:U11).Other members include the Singapore Exchange (SGX:S68), Network for Electronic Transfers or NETS, and Banking Computer Services or BCS.The task force will facilitate industry-wide sharing of AI cybersecurity use cases, conduct proof-of-concept trials for advanced AI-enabled defense tools, and develop guidance to help financial institutions better detect and prevent AI threats.

Asia Markets5d ago

Singapore Shares Fall Over AI Investments Sustainability

Singapore shares fell on Tuesday, tracking broader regional losses as investors mirrored concerns over the sustainability of AI investments amid intense Chinese competition.The Straits Times Index (STI), a key benchmark for the Singapore Exchange, ranged between 5,577.43 and 5,625.27 throughout the day. It ended the session at 5,616.11, down 4.13 points or 0.1% compared to Monday's close.On the corporate front, shares of Keppel (SGX:BN4) closed nearly 3% higher as it surpassed its end-2026 interim target of SG$100 billion in funds under management after adding about SG$13.5 billion across its private infrastructure, real estate and connectivity funds year to date.OKP Holdings' (SGX:5CF) shares closed nearly 1% lower as its wholly-owned subsidiary, OKP Land, has incorporated a joint venture company, RPC One, with Hwa Seng Investment.Meanwhile, shares of CapitaLand Ascott Trust (SGX:HMN) were down nearly 1% at the close as it reported an 11% increase in first-half income available for distribution to SG$107 million.

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Asia5d ago

Singapore Shares Open Lower on Tuesday

Singapore shares fell at the open on Tuesday, tracking declines across Asia, on caution ahead of key central bank decisions and tech earnings.The Straits Times Index retreated 0.8%, or 42.8 points, to 5,577.430.Investors will be focused on interest rate decisions from the U.S. Federal Reserve, the Bank of Japan and the Bank of England this week, while also monitoring corporate earnings and geopolitical developments.