Singapore shares open higher on Thursday

SINGAPORE shares opened higher on Thursday, following the lead of stocks in the United States and Europe, after the Federal Reserve meeting's minutes suggested the US central bank would keep interest rates low and oil prices rebounded on an unexpected drop in US stockpiles.

The benchmark Straits Times Index gained 6.15 points or 0.22 per cent to 2,817.40 points. Some 90 million shares worth S$69.6 million were traded, with gainers beating losers 115 to 23.

Energy-related players were again in active trading. Ezra Holdings, Noble Group, Rex International, Ezion Holdings and Loyz Energy were some of the most heavily traded stocks that rose at the opening bell.