STI continues strong upward momentum

TRADERS here returned to the work week still riding the high of last week's improved retail figures and the onward march of oil prices.

The benchmark Straits Times Index gained 15.85 points, or 0.45 per cent, to 3,536.41 on Monday.

The general bourse saw 2.25 billion shares, worth almost S$1.06 billion in all, changing hands.

All three local banks buzzed, in the wake of news reports that they have hiked home loan interest rates, which should give earnings the requisite lift.

DBS Group was higher by S$0.20, or 0.76 per cent, a…