Share buybacks slow; acquisitions outnumber disposals

OVER five trading sessions from July 7 to July 13, the Straits Times Index (STI) gained 0.2 per cent, bringing its dividend-inclusive return for the 2017 year to date to 14.1 per cent.

On July 11, Y Ventures Group, a data analytics-driven, e-commerce retailer and distributor, made its trading debut on Catalist, contributing a market capitalisation of S$44 million.

The company sells a wide range of merchandise under third-party brands and its private label, Just Nile, on online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, Qoo10 and Lazada. Other business segments include freight forwarding and logistics, as well as waste management services.

Substantial shareholders are siblings Adam Low and Alex Low, who founded Y Ventures in 2003. Pre-listing, executive chairman Adam Low and chief executive officer Alex Low each held 43.1 per cent of the company's share capital. Post-IPO…