THE buying among directors fell while the selling remained low based on filings on Singapore Exchange in the third week of March. A total of 25 companies recorded 56 purchases worth S$7.65 million versus three firms with three disposals worth S$0.35 million. The buy figures were down from the previous week's 30 companies, 67 purchases and S$15.6 million. The sales, on the other hand, were not far off from the previous week's one firm, one disposal and S$0.06 million.

Meanwhile, the buyback activity remained high with 20 companies that posted 85 repurchases worth S$29 million. The number of firms was consistent with the previous week's 21 companies while the number of trades was up from the previous week's 72 repurchases. The value, however, was sharply down from the previous week's buybacks worth S$53.8 million.

There were several significant corporate shareholder purchases last week, the bulk of which were made following the sharp fall in share prices. Poh Tiong Choon Logistics bought back for the first time since 2011 after the stock fell by 27 per cent. Meanwhile, United Overseas Bank (UOB) recorded its first buyback since January 2012. The buybacks by UOB were surprising as they were made following the 17 per cent gain in its share price. Investors should note that UOB is one of three banks that have bought back shares this quarter along with OCBC and DBS Group. On the directors' side, there were insider buys in Boardroom Limited, Fragrance Group, Mewah International, Ezion Holdings and Uni-Asia Holdings following the fall in their share prices.