Director purchases rise sharply

THE buying by directors rose for the first time in the past three weeks with 15 companies that recorded 30 purchases worth S$2.7 million based on filings on the Singapore Exchange from March 20 to 24. The figures were sharply up from the previous week's 10 firms, 21 purchases and S$1.45 million.

The selling, on the other hand, was flat with five companies that recorded nine disposals worth S$2.5 million. The number of firms was not far off from the previous week's six companies while the number of trades was down from 13 disposals previously. The sell value, however, was sharply higher than the previous week's disposals worth S$1.08 million.

While buying by directors rose last week, buyback activity fell with nine companies that posted 24 repurchases worth S$5.72 million. The number of firms and trades was sharply down from the previous week's 15 companies and 41 repurchases. The value, however, was slightly up …