Singapore, March 1, 2026, 15:57 SGT — The session wrapped up with markets closed.
- The Straits Times Index climbed 0.6% on Friday, closing at 4,995.07—just under the 5,000 threshold.
- Yangzijiang Shipbuilding surged 10.7% after its earnings release, while AEM soared 17.4% on the back of AI-fueled demand and fresh 2026 guidance.
- PMI surveys are up next for traders, with critical data eyed for fresh rate clues—potential catalysts for banks and growth stocks alike.
The Straits Times Index nearly hit 5,000 on Friday, ending the day at 4,995.07, up 0.6%. When the Singapore Exchange returns on Monday, traders will be eyeing that threshold. Yangzijiang Shipbuilding soared 10.7% and AEM surged 17.4%. Venture Corp, on the other hand, dropped 7.5%. Roughly S$3.2 billion in securities changed hands. “Asia’s appeal to global investors is set to become more pronounced,” wrote Eli Lee, chief investment strategist at Bank of Singapore. The Straits Times
The 5,000 level isn’t about fundamentals—it’s all about psychology. Once it’s breached, momentum traders can pile in, shorts might scramble to cover, and money gets dragged along for the ride.
Right now, it’s clear: earnings and forward guidance are steering sentiment, not sweeping macro narratives. Companies with straightforward outlooks and solid order pipelines are getting a lift. Any whiff of “wait and see” in the outlook? Investors are quick to hit the sell button.
Yangzijiang shares surged after the company posted a 24.6% jump in second-half net profit, reaching 4.5 billion yuan, while full-year earnings rose 30.2% to 8.6 billion yuan. CGSI maintained its “add” call and bumped its target price up to S$4.95. Analyst Lim Siew Khee described the bigger final dividend as a “positive surprise”, highlighting the payout ratio as a key draw for shareholders. The Business Times
AEM is seeing action again. The chip test equipment maker’s shares popped 17.4% to finish at S$2.90, riding on fresh demand from a second AI and high-performance computing client. Management projected 2026 revenue between S$460 million and S$510 million, pointing to “robust” demand from that customer. Patent challenges from Japan’s Advantest are ongoing, but DBS analyst Amanda Tan thinks legal risks should “take a back seat” for now. The Straits Times
Banks are still anchoring the benchmark, and even on days dominated by stock-specific moves, they have enough weight to swing the tape. When it comes to rates, expectations play a big role: rising yields tend to help lending margins, yet they also tighten financial conditions and can drag on valuations in other sectors.
Singapore often reacts fast to shifts in global data. PMI figures—a business activity barometer—and labor stats can nudge bond yields, with the STI generally tagging along.
Still, clearing the 5,000 mark isn’t guaranteed. If activity data disappoints or yields swing sharply, profit-takers might step in quickly. Crowded trades among recent winners can unravel fast.
Singapore’s SIPMM manufacturing PMI lands first on Monday, March 2. Retail sales figures for Singapore hit on Thursday, March 5. Then come the U.S. non-farm payrolls Friday, March 6—likely to shape sentiment heading into the weekend. spglobal.com
