Singapore shares close 0.7% down on Wednesday

SINGAPORE stocks continued their losing streak on Wednesday, notching a fourth session of decline as traders held their breaths ahead of the outcomes of policy meetings at the United States Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan.

The local market ended 0.7 per cent lower with the bluechip Straits Times Index retreating 19.94 points to 2,874.72.

About 952.8 million shares worth S$875.5 million in total changed hands, which worked out to an average unit price of S$0.92 per share.

The most actively traded counter was Resources Prima Group, which fell S$0.011 to S$0.036 with 76.8 million shares changing hands. Other actives included IEV Holdings and Ezra Holdings.

Losers outnumbered gainers 221 to 162, or about four down for every three up.