Singapore shares close 0.1% down on Wednesday

SINGAPORE stocks slipped 0.1 per cent lower on Wednesday, with the Straits Times Index falling 2.85 points to 2,881.79 after fears of central bank tightening resurfaced.

Penny stocks saw more action. A relatively high volume of 2.11 billion shares worth S$936.1 million in total changed hands, which worked out to an average unit price of S$0.44 per share.

The benchmark index's dip was in contrast with the broad market. Overall, gainers outnumbered losers 236 to 169, or about seven up for every five down.

The most actively traded counter was commodities trader Noble Group, which rose S$0.008 to S$0.178 with 316.3 million shares changing hands. Other actives included offshore services provider Ezra Holdings and communications equipment supplier Addvalue Technologies.