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380 stories mentioning Straits Times IndexUpdated 2d ago

Singapore's benchmark surged Monday, tracking regional gains after a US-Iran deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz lifted investor sentiment.

Singapore's Trade Surplus Climbs to 14-Month High on Strong Exports
US Markets

Singapore's Trade Surplus Climbs to 14-Month High on Strong Exports

Singapore's merchandise trade surplus widened to its highest level since April 2025 in June, while non-oil domestic export growth moderated amid continued strength in AI-driven electronics demand.The merchandise trade surplus widened to SG$13.8 billion in June from SG$5.57 billion in May, according to data released by Statistics Singapore and Enterprise Singapore on Friday.The latest surplus exceeded the SG$6 billion surplus expected by Trading Economics.Total merchandise exports rose to nearly SG$86 billion from SG$83.2 billion in May and SG$59.1 billion a year earlier.Merchandise imports fell to SG$72.2 billion from SG$77.6 billion in May, although they remained above SG$49.5 billion in June 2025.Separately, Singapore's non-oil domestic exports (NODX) increased 20.7% year over year in June, easing from 38.4% growth in May and falling short of the 30.2% increase expected by economists polled by Trading Economics.NODX expanded 18.6% in the first half of 2026, with electronics exports remaining the key driver.Enterprise Singapore attributed the growth to robust demand for integrated circuits, disk media products, and personal computers, supported by continued investment in artificial intelligence.The latest trade and export figures reinforce expectations that Singapore's economy could exceed the government's 2% to 4% growth forecast for 2026, with resilient demand for AI-related electronics continuing to support the manufacturing sector despite a more uncertain global environment.Advance estimates released by the Ministry of Trade and Industry on Tuesday showed the economy expanded 5.7% year over year in the second quarter, slowing from 6.3% in the previous three months but exceeding the 5.5% median forecast.Manufacturing was the only sector to accelerate, driven by electronics and precision engineering on sustained AI-related demand, while growth in construction and services moderated.Even so, policymakers have cautioned that external risks could weigh more heavily on the economy in the months ahead.Earlier in June, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the impact of the conflict in the Middle East had yet to be fully reflected in Singapore's economy."There's a lag," Wong said at a Singapore Press Club event. "There are downside risks and we do expect more pressures to come on both growth and inflation in the second half of the year."Wong noted that higher global oil prices had not yet fully filtered through to electricity, food, and fertilizer costs.He added that the global economy had so far remained more resilient than anticipated, helped by countries securing alternative energy supplies and drawing down inventories after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

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Asia

Singapore Shares Slip at Open on Tech Rout

Singapore shares opened lower for the second straight session, dragged by geopolitical uncertainty and a selloff in tech stocks globally.The Straits Times Index opened lower by 0.33%, or by 18.11 points, at 5,521.270.According to reports, there is growing concern among investors that the surge in artificial-intelligence investments may not justify the high valuations.Elsewhere, the brewing tensions in the Middle East, with fresh attacks by the US, have also dampened investor sentiment.Back home, investors are also eyeing local economic data, as Singapore's merchandise trade surplus ballooned to SG$13.8 billion in June from SG$5.57 billion in the prior month, according to data from Statistics Singapore released on Friday.The latest figure marked the largest surplus since April 2025, beating the Trading Economics forecast of SG$6.0 billion in surplus.

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International

Singapore's NODX Growth Slows to 20.7% in June

Singapore's non-oil domestic exports (NODX) rose 20.7% year over year in June, following a 38.4% expansion in the prior month, according to data from Enterprise Singapore on Friday.The latest figure missed the consensus forecast for a 30.2% increase, tracked by Trading Economics.NODX grew by 18.6% in the first half of 2026.The performance was primarily driven by electronics, supported by strong AI-related demand, driven by integrated circuits, disk media products, and personal computers.

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International

Singapore's Trade Surplus Balloons to Over One-Year High in June

Singapore's merchandise trade surplus ballooned to SG$13.8 billion in June from SG$5.57 billion in the prior month, according to data from Statistics Singapore released on Friday.The latest figure marked the largest surplus since April 2025, beating the Trading Economics forecast of SG$6.0 billion in surplus.Total merchandise exports increased to SG$85.98 billion from SG$83.18 billion recorded in the previous month and from SG$59.09 billion a year prior.Meanwhile, total merchandise imports rose to SG$72.17 billion from SG$49.47 billion in June 2025, but fell from SG$77.62 billion in May.

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Asia

Market Chatter: Asian Stock Exchanges Seek Closer Ties to Boost Capital Markets

Top executives from Asia's leading stock exchanges called for stronger regional connectivity to attract investment and support long-term capital market growth at the Nikkei Asia Forum APAC 2026 on Thursday.Stock Exchange of Thailand President Asadej Kongsiri said closer cooperation among regional exchanges would help ASEAN markets capture investment flows, according to a Nikkei Asia report.He highlighted the Thai exchange's depositary receipt program, which allows local investors to trade global stocks such as Tesla and Apple in baht, the report added.Singapore Exchange President Michael Syn reportedly said cross-border initiatives can expand investment opportunities and create value for regional markets.Japan Exchange Group Global Chief Masanori Yoshida emphasized the need to attract more high-growth companies and develop new investment products to draw global capital into Asia, the report said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Hang SengNikkei 225^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSE
Asia

Singapore Shares Sink, Track Regional Losses Over AI Trade Concerns

Singapore shares plunged on Thursday, tracking regional losses as investor confidence was weighed down by concerns over AI trade, coupled by continued tensions in the Middle East.The Straits Times Index (STI), a key benchmark for the Singapore Exchange, ranged between 5,514.30 and 5,551.25 throughout the day. It ended the session at 5,539.38, down 20.34 points or 0.4% compared to Wednesday's close.On the corporate front, shares of HG Metal Manufacturing (SGX:BTG) closed over 2% higher as it agreed to extend the long stop date for acquiring a property at 47 Tuas View Circuit in Singapore to Sept. 16.Lum Chang Creations (SGX:LCC) was down nearly 3% at the close with the company expecting to book a "significant increase" in its net profit for the fiscal year ended June 30, compared to a year earlier.Meanwhile, A consortium comprising Frasers Property (SGX:TQ5), Frasers Centrepoint Trust (SGX:J69U), Sunway MCL (KLSE:5211), Sekisui House (TYO:1928) and Lum Chang Building Contractors has emerged as the top bidder for the Bayshore Drive Government Land Sales site in Singapore.

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International

Market Chatter: Singapore New Home Sales Hit Two-Year Low

Singapore developers sold 156 new private homes in June, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday, citing data released by the city-state's Urban Redevelopment Authority.Sales fell from 447 units in May and 272 a year earlier, marking the weakest monthly performance since February 2024, according to the report.Private home prices reportedly rose 0.5% in the second quarter, slowing from 0.9% in the previous three months, based on preliminary government estimates.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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Asia

Changi Airport Awards Contract for Standalone Office Building at Terminal 3

Changi Airport awarded Nakano Singapore a contract to construct a six-story office development integrated with a revamped coach stand at Terminal 3, according to a company statement on Wednesday.The building will be the airport's first standalone office block, spanning 9,600 square meters across five levels.The airport currently occupies around 80,000 square meters of landside office space.The company expects the office block to be complete during the first half of 2028.

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Asia

Singapore Shares Open Lower Amid Renewed Iran Strikes

Singapore shares opened lower amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with the US renewing strikes on Iran, which has also led to a surge in oil prices.The Straits Times Index opened lower by 0.40%, or by 22.01 points, at 5,537.71.Crude oil prices continued to rise with Brent gaining for the fourth straight day to more than $85 a barrel, as concerns grow over further disruption in energy supplies.Technology stocks also saw a sell-off, as investors booked gains on AI stocks and took a cautious approach over the sustainability of the artificial intelligence trade.

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Asia

Market Chatter: AirTrunk Targets $1.5 Billion Singapore REIT IPO in September-October

Blackstone-backed AirTrunk is targeting a September or October launch for the initial public offering of a Singapore real estate investment trust, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing sources with direct knowledge of the matter.The data center operator aims to raise about $1.5 billion through the IPO and has confidentially filed for the listing, the report said.AirTrunk has also begun meeting with potential cornerstone investors, according to Reuters.AirTrunk did not ​immediately respond ​to' request for comment.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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Japan

Singapore Shares Surge on Slowing US Inflation; Miyoshi Plunges 17%

Singapore shares gained more than 1% at the close on Wednesday, tracking regional gains following a slowdown in US inflation scaled back expectations for interest rate hikes.The Straits Times Index (STI), a key benchmark for the Singapore Exchange, ranged between 5,501.43 and 5,561.42 throughout the day. It ended the session at 5,559.72, up 64.11 points or 1.2% compared to Tuesday's close.On the corporate front, shares of Miyoshi (SGX:M03) plunged nearly 17% at the close as its Philippines-based subsidiary, Miyoshi Technologies Phils., received a letter of demand from BDO Unibank over a $1.3 million outstanding credit line and term loan.Info-Tech Systems (SGX:ITS) closed nearly 9% higher with the company expecting to report "another strong set" of financial results for the first half of the year.Meanwhile, shares of Addvalue Technologies (SGX:A31) were up nearly 8% at the close as it subsidiary, Addvalue Solutions, has engaged professionals to support preparatory work for its proposed spin-off listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market or the NYSE.

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Asia

Singapore Shares Open Higher on Soft US Inflation Data

Singapore shares opened on a positive note on Wednesday, driven by less-than-expected US inflation, leading to reduced expectations of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates.The Straits Times Index opened up 0.3%, or by 17.61 points, at 5513.22.The sentiment was led by gains recorded on Wall Street overnight on the back of softer June inflation and growing interest in AI tech shares. The inflation data could give the Federal Reserve more room to keep the interest rates unchanged.Investors, however, will be cautiously eyeing the geopolitical developments, especially in the Middle East.

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Asia

Singapore Shares Claw Back Despite US Reinstating Iran Blockade

Singapore shares surge on Tuesday, despite the US president Donald Trump reinstating a blockade in the Gulf.The Straits Times Index (STI), a key benchmark for the Singapore Exchange, ranged between 5,411.59 and 5,501.31 throughout the day. It ended the session at 5,495.61, up 25.27 points or 0.5% compared to Monday's close.In economic news, Singapore's economy grew 5.7% year over year in the second quarter, easing from 6.3% in the previous three months, according to advance estimates released by the Ministry of Trade and Industry.On the corporate front, shares of EuroSports Global (SGX:5G1) closed over 2% higher as its subsidiary, Scorpio Electric, completed an on-road registration of its Lambda Scorpii electric motorcycle in Singapore.Lum Chang Creations (SGX:LCC) is set to transfer its listing from the Catalist board to the Mainboard of the Singapore Exchange on Thursday.Meanwhile, Singapore Shipping (SGX:S19) Chief Operating Officer Lim Bee Lan will step down from her role at subsidiary Island Line, effective Aug. 14, citing personal reasons.

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Singapore's Q2 Growth Exceeds Forecast as AI Demand Boosts Manufacturing
US Markets

Singapore's Q2 Growth Exceeds Forecast as AI Demand Boosts Manufacturing

Singapore's economy grew 5.7% year over year in the second quarter, easing from 6.3% in the previous three months, according to advance estimates released by the Ministry of Trade and Industry on Tuesday.The reading surpassed the consensus forecast of a 5.5% increase, as tracked by Investing.com.On a seasonally adjusted quarterly basis, gross domestic product expanded 1.1% in the second quarter, extending the 1.3% growth recorded in the first quarter.The goods-producing industries grew 10.4% from a year earlier, led by a 12.2% expansion in manufacturing, while construction growth slowed to 6.2% from 12.9% in the previous quarter.Manufacturing growth accelerated from 8.0% in the first quarter, driven by stronger output in the electronics and precision engineering clusters amid robust artificial intelligence-related demand for semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.The ministry said manufacturing growth was "largely driven by output increases in the electronics and precision engineering clusters on account of strong AI-related demand for semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment."The chemicals and biomedical manufacturing clusters contracted, with the chemicals segment affected by feedstock disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.The stronger-than-expected economic growth comes as economists expect the Monetary Authority of Singapore to keep monetary policy unchanged at its next meeting later this month after May core inflation held steady at 1.4%, despite higher prices stemming from the Middle East conflict.The MAS tightened policy in April and raised its 2026 core inflation forecast to 1.5% to 2.5% from 1% to 2%.Singapore's central bank is scheduled to announce its next policy decision by July 31.In May, the Ministry of Trade and Industry maintained Singapore's 2026 GDP growth forecast at 2% to 4%, citing resilient AI-related demand despite rising downside risks from the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict.The ministry said strong demand for AI-related semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment and digital solutions should continue to support the electronics, precision engineering and information and communications sectors.However, it warned that higher energy costs and weaker global demand could weigh on the chemicals, fuels, and transportation industries.

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Asia

Singapore Stocks Open Weak as Middle East Crisis Flares Up

Singapore stocks opened lower on Tuesday as the latest round of attacks between the US and Iran sent oil prices higher, hurting investor sentiment.The Straits Times Index slid 0.4%, or by 23.39 points, to open at 5,446.95.On Monday, the US carried out a third consecutive night of strikes against Iran to "degrade their ability to attack innocent civilians and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz," the U.S. Central Command said in an X post.Investors are also eyeing US inflation data on Tuesday and subsequent policy signals from the Federal Reserve.

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International

Singapore's GDP Growth Slows to 5.7% in Q2: Advance Estimates

Singapore's economy expanded 5.7% year over year in the second quarter of 2026, according to advance estimates released by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) on Tuesday.The latest pace of expansion was slower than the 6.3% growth recorded in the previous quarter, although it surpassed the consensus forecast for a 5.5% increase, tracked by Investing.com.On a quarter-over-quarter seasonally adjusted basis, the economy edged up 1.1% in Q2, following a 1.3% expansion in the previous three-month period. It was in line with Investing.com's forecast for a 1.1% increase.

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Asia

Singapore Shares Mute as US-Iran Trade Blows; Beverly Wilshire Slumps 13%

Singapore shares were marginally up on Monday, despite broader regional losses as the US and Iran exchanged a series of strikes, sending oil prices surging.The Straits Times Index (STI), a key benchmark for the Singapore Exchange, ranged between 5,432.55 and 5,474.85 throughout the day. It ended the session at 5,470.34, up 1.05 points or 0.02% compared to Friday's close.On the corporate front, shares of Beverly Wilshire (SGX:9QX) slid nearly 13% at the close as its Chief Financial Officer, Chong Meng Fong resigned effective Sept. 30, to pursue other career opportunities.Mun Siong Engineering's (SGX:MF6) shares closed over 13% higher as its 49%-owned company, HIMS Integrated Services, bagged orders worth 148.2 million ringgit from PRefChem.Meanwhile, shares of EnGro (SGX:S44) surged over 13% at the close with the company expecting to report a "significant improvement" in its net profit during the first half of the year, compared with a year earlier.

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Asia

Singapore, Japan Sign Energy Agreement

Singapore's Energy Market Authority and Japan's Electricity and Gas Market Surveillance Commission signed a memorandum of cooperation to strengthen collaboration on energy market regulation, according to an EMA release on Monday.The agreement aims to promote cooperation and information exchange on gas and electricity between the two states.The agreement covers market surveillance approaches, regulation design and system stability measures.

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International

Asia Week Ahead: China's Q2 GDP, BOK Decision, India Inflation

China's economic data will take center stage this week, with investors closely watching second-quarter GDP and June activity data for fresh clues on the health of the world's second-largest economy as it enters the second half of the year.Singapore and Malaysia will also release their second-quarter GDP estimates, offering a broader snapshot of regional growth.Inflation will remain in focus as India and Malaysia publish consumer and wholesale price data, providing further insight into price pressures.Markets will also be watching the Bank of Korea's latest monetary policy decision.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, July 13India will report June inflation numbers later today. Following a 3.93% reading in May, Trading Economics is expecting a slight uptick to 4.0%.TUESDAY, July 14Singapore will publish its advance Q2 GDP estimate. Goldman Sachs expects the economy to grow 5.2% year over year in the April-to-June period, slowing from 6.0% in the first quarter.Meanwhile, China's June trade figures will be closely watched as tensions between Beijing and the European Union over rising Chinese exports intensify.ING economists forecast export growth of about 17.5% YoY and import growth of 24.0%, resulting in a trade surplus of $120.1 billion.India will release its June wholesale price index, a key gauge of wholesale inflation. The data is being followed for insights into production-level cost pressures that could influence policy decisions.WEDNESDAY, July 15China's economy likely grew 4.5% YoY in the second quarter, slowing from the 5.0% expansion in Q1, according to a Wall Street Journal poll of economists.ANZ Research attributed the slowdown to a reduced number of working days due to extended spring holidays in April and May. Slower fiscal spending likely also weighed on growth as Beijing sought to preserve its fiscal buffer amid geopolitical uncertainty and energy-price shocks, ANZ said.The same WSJ poll forecasts China's retail sales contracted 0.1% in June, an improvement from the 0.6% decline recorded in May.Industrial production likely rose 4.7% in June, up from 4.5% in May, according to ING estimates. Meanwhile, fixed-asset investment is expected to have contracted 5.2% in the first half, widening from the 4.1% decline in the January-to-May period.Meanwhile, Japan will report its May machinery orders, while Reuters will publish the Tankan Index, a key survey of Japanese business sentiment.Elsewhere in the region, South Korea will release export prices and unemployment data.India's June trade data and unemployment rate are also due on Wednesday.THURSDAY, July 16The Bank of Korea (BOK) will hold its rate-setting meeting on Thursday after Governor Shin Hyun Song repeatedly signaled the need for tighter monetary policy.Bank of America analysts expect the BOK to raise its base rate by 25 basis points, citing elevated inflation concerns and foreign exchange stability risks."Against this backdrop, policymakers are likely to place greater emphasis on exchange-rate stability and its implications for inflation and financial conditions," BofA said in a note.FRIDAY, July 17Singapore will release its June non-oil domestic exports (NODX) data.DBS expects NODX growth to moderate to 25.0% year over year in June from 38.4% in May.Non-electronics exports likely eased due to an unfavorable comparison with the previous year, while electronics exports were likely supported by strong global demand for AI-related products, particularly memory chips and server equipment, DBS economists said.Meanwhile, Malaysia's inflation rate likely held steady at 2.0% in June, according to consensus estimates.Higher electricity tariffs and food prices were offset by lower transport costs as fuel prices declined, ANZ economists said, adding that inflation is expected to remain manageable and is unlikely to prompt Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to change its policy rate.On the GDP front, Malaysia's Q2 economic growth likely slowed from the 5.4% expansion recorded in the first quarter.BNM Governor Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour said high-frequency indicators point to some moderation in economic activity in the second quarter of 2026. He nevertheless said the economy continues to demonstrate resilience despite external uncertainties.Hong Kong's business confidence and employment data are also due for release on Friday.

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Asia

Singapore Stocks Begin Week in Red as US-Iran Ceasefire Unravels

Singapore stocks opened lower on Monday as renewed U.S.-Iran strikes escalated tensions in the Middle East, sending oil prices higher and weighing on investor sentiment.The Straits Times Index slid 0.3%, or by 16.9 points, to open at 5,452.36.The U.S. carried out new strikes on Iranian military targets over the weekend, while Iran reportedly attacked commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and claimed to have closed the strategic waterway, fueling concerns over global energy supplies and lifting oil prices.

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