Singapore shares rise on trade deal hopes

HOPES that a US-China "Phase One" trade deal would be a reality before the year ends saw most Asian equities rise on Wednesday despite China's industrial profits falling at their fastest pace in eight months in October.

Singapore's Straits Times Index (STI) turned in a positive showing after two straight sessions of losses to finish 7.68 points or 0.2 per cent higher at 3,215.53.

In the Asia-Pacific, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea and Taiwan all managed gains.

Traders noted investors preferred to feed off the positive vibes from US President Donald Trump's disclosure that negotiators were in the "final throes" of a deal and the US Federal Reserve keep…