STI gains on day of mixed sentiments

THE Singapore market managed to close on higher ground during a session of thin trading, and one dented by sentiment that Beijing will slow the pace of policy easing after some signs of stabilisation in its economy.

The Straits Times Index (STI) added 10.12 points or 0.3 per cent to close at 3,357.70, with 22 of the blue chip index's 30 components, ending in the black.

UOB Kay Hian's vice-president of equities and financial products, Brandon Leu, said that the Singapore market "seems focused on recent optimistic Chinese macroeconomic data and looking to a positive US Q1 gross domestic product reading on Friday".