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: Inflation remains contained, but underlying pressure is gradually building
Labour Market Remains Resilient
- Total employment growth in 2025: +55,500 jobs
- Unemployment rate: around 2%
Growth was supported by financial services, healthcare, and construction sectors.
Key Point: Strong employment continues to support domestic consumption
Stocks to Watch
Singtel
- Fell 5.4% to S$4.93
- Impacted by a service disruption, now resolved
Stoneweg Europe Stapled Trust
- Divesting Warsaw office asset for €22.5 million
- Focus on portfolio optimisation
CapitaLand Ascendas REIT
- Announced S$749 million in acquisitions
- Entering Japan data centre market
- Raising ~S$900 million via equity fundraising
Key Point: REIT activity remains strong with expansion and capital recycling
Share Buybacks (March 23)
Notable buyback activity:
- Singtel: 3.36 million shares
- SATS: 1.08 million shares
- Digital Core REIT: 900,000 shares
- Genting Singapore: 500,000 shares
- Keppel: 400,000 shares
Key Point: Continued buybacks suggest corporate confidence and support for share prices
Summary
Singapore markets are stabilising alongside global sentiment, supported by falling oil prices and resilient economic fundamentals. Inflation remains manageable, while REIT activity and share buybacks highlight ongoing corporate confidence.
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