Singapore shares open 0.8% up on Wednesday

SINGAPORE stocks opened 0.8 per cent higher on Wednesday as optimism from a rally in crude oil spilled over from Wall Street overnight.

The Straits Times Index gained 22.07 points to 2,836.72 as at 9.01am.

About 82.1 million shares worth S$66.6 million in total changed hands, which worked out to an average unit price of S$0.81.

This came after Brent crude prices climbed nearly 4 per cent to slightly below US$45 per barrel overnight, touching a four-month high.

Energy-related stocks were in heavy play right after the market opened.

The most actively traded counter was Ezra Holdings, which rose S$0.004 to S$0.107 with 15.5 million shares changing hands. Other actives included Annica and Rex International.

Gainers outnumbered losers 109 to 23, or about five up for every one down.