KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia extended its positive performance, closing higher for a fourth consecutive session, supported by improving local market sentiment underpinned by a firm domestic macroeconomic backdrop. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 4.59 points, or 0.28 per cent, to 1,648.31, from Monday’s close of 1,643.72. The index had opened 0.95 of a point lower at 1,642.77, and moved between 1,636.50 and 1,648.71 throughout the trading session However, on the broader market, decliners beat gainers 699 versus 408. A further 520 counters were unchanged, 1,149 untraded and 12 suspended. Turnover rose to 2.59 billion units worth RM2.27 billion from 2.50 billion units worth RM2.16 billion on Monday.
Key Highlights
Singapore shares open higher on Tuesday, tracking U.S. market rebound
U.S. stocks rally as trade tensions ease
Gold and silver hit record highs amid rate-cut speculation
Singapore Q3 GDP slows to 2.9% but beats estimates
Young workers prioritise team dynamics, pay, and career growth
Market Snapshot
FTSE Straits Times Index (STI): 4,412.56 (+0.52%)
Volume / Value: 32.57M / S$53.50M
Advancers / Decliners: 112 / 23
Global Markets
U.S. Markets Rebound as Trade Tensions Ease
Wall Street rallied sharply on Monday after signs of improving U.S.–China relations. The Nasdaq Composite rose 2.2% to 22,694.61, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.6% and 1.3% respectively.
Investor sentiment improved after President Trump said he was confident about resolving trade issues with China.
Gold and Silver Surge to Record Highs
Persistent concerns over the 13-day U.S. government shutdown and dovish Federal Reserve commentary drove gold futures up 3.4% to US$4,137.20/oz and silver up 7.1% to US$50.625/oz. Philadelphia Fed President Anna Paulson reiterated support for two more 25bps rate cuts this year.
Singapore Economy
Singapore’s Q3 GDP Growth Slows to 2.9%, Beating Forecasts
The economy expanded 2.9% year-on-year in Q3 2025, slowing from Q2’s 4.5% but surpassing the 1.9% forecast.
Manufacturing growth stalled after strong mid-year gains, while quarter-on-quarter GDP rose 1.3% on a seasonally adjusted basis.
Resilient services and construction activity helped offset manufacturing softness, supporting expectations of moderate but steady growth into year-end.
Workforce Trends
Young Workers Prioritise Team Dynamics and Career Growth
A new Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) study found that 68% of young employees are open to job changes, with those aged 18–25 most active.
Top work priorities include career advancement, compensation, and positive team culture.
Flexible work arrangements remain a key preference across younger and older age groups.
Stocks to Watch
Mapletree Logistics Trust (M44U.SG): Divested a Victoria, Australia logistics asset for A$60 million (S$50.4 million); portfolio now totals 174 properties valued at S$13 billion.
Keppel REIT (K71U.SG): Raising S$113 million via private placement to fund its 75% stake in Sydney’s Top Ryde City Shopping Centre; units priced at S$0.983 each.
DBS (D05.SG): Q3 earnings expected to soften, but dividend per share likely maintained at 60 cents, plus a 15-cent capital return.
UOB (U11.SG): Partnering with DBS and ABC Impact on a S$110 million sustainability-linked subscription loan facility.
Broadcom (AVGO.US): Shares rose 9.9% after announcing plans to co-build 10GW of AI accelerators with OpenAI.
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