FTSE STI closed 3,353.68, up 7.77 points or +0.23% with a total volume of 775M and a total value of S$395M. Total number of advance vs decline was 189 vs 184. Of the 30 component index stocks, 20 closed positive, 5 unchanged and 5 in the red. The top 5 gainer component stocks were :-
1. JMH 400USD +0.190
2. DBS +0.150
3. Jardine C&C +0.150
4. JSH 500USD +0.150
5. UOB +0.120
The 5 loser component stocks were :-
1. Kep Corp -0.120
2. CityDev -0.070
3. SembMar -0.050
4. SIA Engg -0.030
5. ThaiBev -0.005
US markets were mostly higher on Christmas eve and Asian bourses that were opened yesterday were mixed. However, Asian markets were mostly positive for today with Nikkei +0.06%, SSE +2.77% and HSI was closed for Boxing Day. STI was flat for the day with very thin volume and value. 20 of the 30 index stocks registered positive closing.
With the exception of SSE, most of the markets were relatively quite during the festive season. SSE was in volatile session for the day with a drop of almost 2 days ago but rebounded with more than 3% yesterday and another almost 3% today after Chinese Government revealed new measures yesterday further easing liquidity conditions for banks. Japan released its industrial output and inflation data for the day with industrial output posted a surprise drop (fell 0.6%) while inflation continued to slow.
STI was flat in very thin volume and value day as majority were away for the Christmas holiday. Most of the stocks were moving in tight range except for oil-related stocks which fell on profit taking and a rather directionless in oil price (one day up, next day down). Despite the muted activities, fraction of bargain hunting could be detected probably gearing towards next week year end rally and the so-called Capricorn effect next month.
