STI

Thursday, February 16, 2006

Evening
The Singapore market rebounded from yesterday’s selling, aided by the gains in the US markets yesterday and the positive closing in regional markets today. The STI closed 10 points higher to 2434.66, after early gains were chipped away by profit taking. Volume was slightly lower at 1.13b shares worth S$1.07b, with 313 gainers and 258 declines.

Star Pharmaceutical, which was listed yesterday, continued to chalk up gains. The stock closed 6.5 cents higher to $0.52 with 64.5m shares traded. Other top volumes were StatsChipPac ($1.13, +5.0 cents, 24.6m), Celestial NutriFoods ($0.90, +3.5 cents, 23.3m), MediaRing ($0.29, +1.5 cents, 21.1m) and China Essence ($0.555, +1.5 cents, 20.2m).

SIA was the top gainer, benefitting from its strong traffic data for January. The stock added 40 cents to $14.10 and SIA200 rose 40 cents to $14.20. Other top gainers were DBS ($16.60, +40 cents), OCBC 4.5% NCPS ($102.30, +20 cents), F&N ($18.40, +20 cents) and UOB ($14.60, +10 cents).

Singapore Land led the losers, shedding 15 cents to 6.25, followed by Thai Prime Fund (US$5.35, -15 cents), Hyflux ($2.97, -13 cents), Olam ($1.52, -11 cents) and Link Reit BNP5/06CW ($0.86, -11 cents).