STI rebounds in cautious trading

THE Straits Times Index (STI), which on Wednesday suffered its largest one-day loss of 2017, on Thursday rebounded 8.74 points to 3,126.93 in cautious trading as investors waited for a key vote in the United States that would provide an indication of whether the Trump administration can deliver on its expansionary goals.

Turnover was moderate at 2.3 billion units worth S$1.04 billion and, excluding warrants, there were 294 rises versus 163 falls.

Over in Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index conceded most of its morning gains to close almost unchanged while the Dow futures slipped marginally in the red as the session wore on, possibly reflecting the uncertainty shrouding Wall Street as it waits for US lawmakers to vote on Thursday on President Donald Trump's proposed healthcare plan.