FTSE STI closed 2,802.59, down 10.68 points or -0.38% with a total volume of 1.27b and a total value of S$1.28b. Total number of advance vs decline was 191 vs 232. Of the 30 component index stocks, 8 closed positive, 19 closed negative and 3 remained unchanged. The top 5 gainer component stocks were :-
1. CityDev +0.600
2. Jardine C&C +0.260
3. JSH 500US$ +0.220
4. NOL +0.070
5. SMRT +0.070
The top 5 loser component stocks were :-
1. UOB -0.160
2. JMH 400US$ -0.140
3. HKLand US$ -0.140
4. SIA -0.140
5. KepCorp -0.110
US markets fell almost 2% yesterday night with unexpected rise in jobless claim, strengthen of USD and a downgrade rating on Greece. Asia bourses took the cue and traded in the negative region for the day. Nikkei closed -0.21%, SSE -2.05% and -0.81%. STI opened below 2,800 level in line with regional markets but managed to recover the loss and closed above 2,800 level when funds closed book for the year with a little window dressing. Selective index stocks were buy up to offset the drop. With funds closing their books and a short trading week for next 2 weeks, STI would expect quiet trading day while price levels in range bound pattern.
