Market Snapshot FTSE Singapore Straits Time Index : +0.02% to 4,842.49 Volume / Value: 78.53M shares / S$185.87M Advancers vs Decliners: 158 / 36 Singapore equities opened marginally higher , supported by improved global sentiment after the rebound in US markets. Wall Street Supports Risk Appetite US equities posted strong gains: Dow Jones Industrial Average +1.4% Nasdaq Composite Index +1.4% S&P 500 Index +1.2% The rally was driven by a sharp drop in oil prices of around 14%, as easing geopolitical tensions reduced inflation concerns. Key Point: Lower oil prices are easing inflation pressure and supporting equities Singapore Inflation Update Latest data showed mixed inflation trends: Core inflation: 1.4% (up from 1.0%) Headline inflation: 1.2% (down from 1.4%) The increase in core inflation was driven by higher prices in services, food, and retail, while lower petrol and accommodation costs helped ease headline inflation. Key Point: Infl...
US equities staged a strong rebound, with major indices rising over 1%, as falling oil prices and signs of potential de-escalation in the Middle East boosted risk sentiment . Stocks Snap Losing Streak on Diplomatic Optimism Wall Street rallied after reports of “productive” US-Iran discussions , prompting a temporary delay in planned strikes. Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.4% S&P 500 Index gained 1.2% Nasdaq Composite Index climbed 1.4% The move snapped a three-day losing streak , signalling a shift back to risk-on sentiment . Oil Collapse Drives Market Relief The rally was driven by a sharp reversal in oil prices: Crude plunged as much as 14% intraday Prices fell to around US$84 per barrel The drop followed easing concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz , a key route for ~20% of global energy supply . Lower oil prices helped reduce fears of: Runaway inflation Further interest rat...