Another round of heavy buying and low sales

THE sharp correction in the market at the start of the New Year prompted another round of heavy buying and low sales by directors. A total of 20 companies recorded 47 purchases worth S$4.94 million versus one firm with two disposals worth S$3.9 million based on filings on Singapore Exchange from Jan 4 to 8. The buy figures were consistent with the previous week's four-day totals of 19 companies, 42 purchases and S$4.27 million.

On the selling side, the number of firms and trades were consistent with the previous week's one company and one disposal. The sell value, however, was sharply up from the previous week's disposals worth S$0.24 million.

Meanwhile, the buyback activity surged with 28 companies that posted 89 repurchases worth S$30.44 million. The figures were sharply up from the previous week's 17 companies, 36 trades and S$5.15 million. With buyers that dominated the trading, the bulk of the significant transactions last week were acquisitions with the buying spread out across the several sectors.