FTSE STI closed 3,015.42, down 39.36 points or -1.29% with a total volume of 3.32b and a total value of S$1.32b. Total number of advance vs decline was 150 vs 288. Of the 30 component index stocks, 4 closed positive and 26 in the red. The 4 gainer component stocks were :-
1. JSH 500US$ +0.050
2. StarHub +0.040
3. JMH 400US$ +0.030
4. ComfortDelGro +0.020
The top 5 loser component stocks were :-
1. Jardine C&C -1.350
2. UOB -0.180
3. DBS -0.170
4. OCBC -0.140
5. Kep Corp -0.140
US markets closed positive yesterday and Asian bourses were mixed for the day with Nikkei +0.54%, SSE +0.21% and HSI -0.31%. STI fared worse that regional bourses dropping 1.29% in thinner volume as compared to yesterday. Only 4 of the 30 index stocks posted gain.
US reported a better than expected ISM data yesterday helping US markets to move up higher despite the fact that US is on the set to air strike Syria after even Republican House leader supported President Obama to strike Syria. Asian markets were much divided between improving global economic data and concern of US will air strike Syria soon.
STI pretty much was focus on possible US will air strike Syria soon as short-term, contra and punters selling stocks across the board. Should US air strike Syria, can expect short-term knee-jerk reaction of market falling hence short-term, contra and punters best to execute proper risk management. However, long-term investors should start to get alert as any market weakness due to Syria is a bargain hunting opportunity.
