Reviving SGX is not the endgame – creating a vibrant financial ecosystem is

IT IS somewhat counterintuitive that shares of the Singapore Exchange (SGX) have weakened since the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) review group on Feb 13 announced tax incentives as part of measures to boost the equities market. 

SGX is down some 5.6 per cent even as the Straits Times Index is hitting new highs, albeit driven by the bank counters. 

It is clear that the intent of the tax moves is to encourage listings. What is on the table so far are generous corporate tax rebates for companies, business trusts and fund managers that list in Singapore.