STI gains 3.8% over 5 sessions; large shareholders adjust stakes

FOR the five sessions ended April 19, the Straits Times Index (STI) advanced 3.8 per cent, leading the benchmarks of Japan, Hong Kong, Australia that averaged a 0.8 per cent gain. The STI has continued to be the strongest of these benchmarks in the 2018 year through to April 19, with a 6.1 per cent total return, compared to the three benchmarks averaging a 0.9 per cent decline, while the Dow Jones has declined 1.6 per cent.

During the five sessions, share buyback consideration totalled S$12.2 million, which was a significant slowdown of recent momentum, albeit expected as the March quarterly earnings begins. Eight primary-listed companies bought back their SGX-listed shares over the five sessions. CapitaLand continued to lead the buyback tally, and as at April 19 had bought back 1.36 per cent of its outstanding shares since Feb 20.

The five sessions also saw 55 primary-listed stocks lodge 140 changes in director interests or substantial shareholders. There were 23 director acquisitions and one disposal filed, while substantial shareholders filed 23 acquisitions and 17 disposals.