Singapore, Jan 20, 2026, 14:52 SGT — Regular session
- Singtel climbed roughly 1.3% in afternoon trading, hitting the upper end of its daily range
- Risk appetite remained fragile following new U.S. tariff threats linked to Greenland
- All eyes are on Singtel’s earnings report scheduled for Feb. 18, as investors seek clues on cash returns and future outlook
Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) climbed 1.34% to S$4.55 by mid-afternoon Tuesday, ending a streak of stagnant trading. The stock gained ground despite cautious sentiment in broader Asian markets. 1
Washington has set a wary tone. President Donald Trump’s renewed tariff threats against European nations, linked to his push to acquire Greenland, have sparked talk of a “Sell America” trade — with investors offloading U.S. stocks, the dollar, and Treasuries. Capital.com analyst Kyle Rodda noted markets were banking on tensions being “self-limiting,” but warned of a “potentially disruptive standoff” between the U.S. and EU. 2
Singapore began the week cautiously. The Straits Times Index dropped 0.3% on Monday, with Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management describing the start as “like a risk engine hitting a pothole at speed.” He added, “Once tariffs are reframed as geopolitical instruments, markets stop asking how big the levy is and start asking what else is now in play.” 3
Singtel climbed on Tuesday, reaching the higher end of its intraday range. Market data indicated a previous close of S$4.49, with the stock fluctuating between S$4.45 and S$4.56 throughout the session. Its 52-week range stands at S$3.08 to S$4.92. 4
When headlines roar, telecom stocks often serve as a refuge. They offer essentials, generate steadier cash flow than most, and their dividends usually keep buyers interested even as traders pull back elsewhere.
Singtel isn’t just a domestic play. The company has pointed to Optus and its regional partners as major profit contributors in recent updates, making the stock vulnerable to changes in overseas sentiment and currency fluctuations. 5
There’s a risk on the horizon. Should tariff threats turn into real measures and Europe retaliates, the defensive trade could unravel. Investors might then begin factoring in reduced corporate investment and softer consumer demand throughout the region.
Rising bond yields add another layer of complexity. They can put pressure on high-dividend stocks simply by making fixed income more attractive, even if the companies behind those stocks haven’t changed a thing.
Earnings are the next key trigger. According to Investing.com’s calendar, Singtel is set to report on Feb. 18. Traders will focus closely on any changes in guidance, capital expenditure, and cash returns. 6
