Buyback flows consistent and acquisition to disposal ratios higher

THE four trading sessions spanning June 23 to June 29 saw the STI add 1.3 per cent, which brought its dividend-inclusive return for the 2017 year to date to 14.9 per cent.

Ten stocks conducted share buybacks over the four sessions with a total consideration of S$11.8 million, up seven per cent from the preceding five sessions. Again, OCBC contributed most to the buybacks, with 800,000 shares purchased at an average price of S$10.76, up from last week's average purchase price of S$10.62.

Buyback activity is expected to decline in July, ahead of second quarter earnings reports and the necessary blackout periods for companies buying back their own shares.