ST Index firmer; HNA Group takes a stake in Sapphire Corp

THE five trading sessions spanning Oct 20 to Oct 26 saw the Straits Times Index (STI) gain 0.6 per cent. This brought its dividend-inclusive return for 2017 (through to Oct 26) to 20 per cent, compared to an average 15.7 per cent return for the benchmarks of Japan, Hong Kong and Australia.

Over those five sessions, 38 SGX primary-listed stocks lodged more than 90 changes in director interests and substantial shareholders.

The five sessions saw 14 company director acquisitions and one disposal filed. For stock substantial shareholders there were 11 acquisitions filed compared to 13 disposals filed.

This included the sale of 20 million SPH Reit Un…