ST Index firmer with buybacks higher on the week

THE five trading sessions spanning Sept 29 to Oct 5 saw the Straits Times Index (STI) gain 1.1 per cent. This brought its dividend-inclusive return for 2017 (through to Oct 5) to 16.6 per cent, compared to an average 12.9 per cent return for the benchmarks of Japan, Hong Kong and Australia.

Over those five sessions, 47 SGX primary-listed stocks lodged more than 120 changes in director interests and substantial shareholders. The five sessions saw 26 company director acquisitions filed.

For substantial shareholders of companies there were 26 acquisitions filed compared to 18 disposals filed.