Singapore, Jan 17, 2026, 07:43 SGT — Market closed
- The Straits Times Index climbed 2.1% over the week, closing Jan 16 with a modest gain of 0.3% at 4,849.10
- Banks held the lead, driven largely by dividend yields and speculation around rate cuts
- Next up on the tape: China’s Q4 GDP on Jan 19, followed by Singapore’s CPI data on Jan 23
Singapore’s Straits Times Index (STI) climbed 2.1% over the week, closing Friday 0.3% higher at 4,849.10. Interactive Brokers senior economist Jose Torres highlighted a “revived” mood on Wall Street following Taiwan Semiconductor’s earnings report, while easing U.S. jobless claims helped calm investor nerves. (The Straits Times)
This shift is significant given the index’s heavy reliance on Singapore’s banks. DBS and OCBC hit new highs on Jan 15, driven by strong dividend prospects. Still, analysts caution that falling rates could pressure net interest margin (NIM) — the difference between lending income and deposit costs. (The Straits Times)
The next market move will hinge on macro data rather than company reports. China is set to release its fourth-quarter GDP on Monday, the same day U.S. markets will be closed for a holiday. Then, on January 23, Singapore’s December consumer price index arrives; DBS is forecasting headline inflation near 1% year on year. (S&P Global)
City Developments edged up 2.3% to S$9.16 on Friday, with Sembcorp Industries matching that gain at S$6.12. Seatrium and Yangzijiang Shipbuilding, however, each slipped 2.2%. Among banks, DBS ticked up 0.4% to S$59.12, UOB added 0.9% to S$36.74, and OCBC gained 0.3% to S$20.44. The iEdge Singapore Next 50 index dipped 0.3%. (The Business Times)
Earlier, the STI climbed 0.4%, even as Singapore-listed real estate investment trusts (S-REITs) took a step back. Venture Corp led the charge with a 2.7% rise. CapitaLand Ascendas REIT slipped 1.4%, and several other major REITs declined between 0.7% and 1%. (The Straits Times)
Outside the blue chips, SGX is broadening its appeal. CGS International’s Foo Siang Sheng noted that with three recent large secondary listings, the total now stands at 29, and he expects this momentum to carry into 2026. (The Business Times)
Lum Chang Holdings signaled a “significant” jump in first-half net profit, driven by better performance in its restoration and interior fit-out segment. The company plans to announce its 1HFY2026 results around Feb 12 and urged investors to approach trading carefully. (Sgx)
The key issue for the STI is whether the bank-driven rally can sustain itself if rate forecasts falter. The dividend rationale that has supported lenders so far can quickly unravel as bond yields climb, offering scant protection if investors begin to scrutinize earnings growth more closely.
China data arrives Monday. A softer report could weigh on regional risk sentiment. Then later in the week, any unexpected U.S. inflation reading might shift rate expectations again, putting pressure on yield-sensitive sectors like banks and REITs.
Traders kick off Monday focused on China’s GDP and activity figures, with eyes then shifting to Singapore’s CPI report dropping Friday, Jan 23, for clues on local rate moves.
