Singapore, Jan 24, 2026, 15:17 SGT — Market closed
- SGX shares ended Friday up 1.27% after SGX RegCo introduced smaller board lots for pricey stocks
- Singapore has kicked off a portion of its S$5 billion equity-market initiative designed to boost liquidity
- The next major trigger for traders will be SGX’s half-year results, due Feb 5
Shares of Singapore Exchange Ltd (SGX: S68) climbed on Friday following a proposal from its regulatory unit to reduce the standard trading lot size for more expensive stocks. This change is designed to make it cheaper for retail investors to get started. The stock finished at S$17.52, marking a 1.27% gain, ahead of the weekend market closure. 1
The timing is crucial as Singapore aims to boost activity in a market often plagued by thin trading across many stocks. For SGX, increased turnover and a steadier flow of new listings could mean higher fees, despite derivatives still handling the bulk of the volume.
The latest surge comes as the benchmark Straits Times Index hits a peak and regulators step up scrutiny on market structure. It’s a delicate time for the exchange operator: when liquidity picks up, the story shifts; when it drops, chatter about listings dies down.
SGX Regulation is seeking feedback on a plan to shrink the standard board lot—the typical share quantity in a single trade—for securities priced above S$10. The proposal would cut the lot size to 10 units for stocks trading between S$10 and S$100, and to just one unit for those over S$100. It also includes adjustments to minimum bid-size rules for select foreign-currency products. “By reducing the board lot size … we bring the minimum investment down from a few thousand dollars to just a few hundred,” said Ng Yao Loong, head of equities at SGX Group. 2
Supporters stress the reform package is just a beginning, not a fix-all. Singapore has started disbursing part of a S$5 billion plan to boost local stock investments through chosen fund managers. JPMorgan Asset Management, Temasek-backed Avanda Investment Management, and Fullerton Fund Management are among the first to receive a combined S$1.1 billion slice, according to a report. “The EQDP is not the magic bullet that is going to address the whole problem,” said Avanda’s Ng Kok Song. Fullerton’s Shawn Ang boiled down the risk around momentum in three words: “Return begets liquidity.” 3
Away from the local cash-equities focus, SGX is stepping up its pitch on diversification. Group president Michael Syn told The National the exchange is targeting Gulf-region demand in commodities, shipping, and foreign exchange services, while staying open to acquisitions. He added, “For now, it is commodities and FX.” 4
The core earnings debate lingers. SGX plans to keep cash equities and derivatives grouped together, even as cash-market activity picks up. The exchange is pointing to stronger turnover and a rise in retail participation to boost its listings business. SGX CFO Daniel Koh described the market as possibly being in the “early stages of a virtuous cycle.” Meanwhile, SGX is broadening its derivatives offerings, launching 20-year mini Japanese government bond futures starting Jan 26. 5
On the listings side, SGX’s Catalist board — the market tailored for smaller growth firms under sponsor supervision — is set to see new additions. Investors, however, will be watching to see if the pace turns consistent. The Assembly Place, a co-living operator, debuted on Jan 23 at an offer price of S$0.23, raising roughly S$18.343 million, according to SGX data. 6
In the next session, traders will be watching to see if high-priced index stocks attract more attention as the board-lot consultation takes hold, and if the liquidity story extends past banks and blue chips. A drop in turnover would swiftly derail the “revival” trade.
SGX’s next key date is the release of its first-half FY2026 results on Feb 5, scheduled before market open. A briefing will follow at 9:00 a.m. Singapore time, with CEO Loh Boon Chye and CFO Daniel Koh leading the session. 7
