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Stocks jump as US settles on US$2t in aid

STI registers successive gains for first time in 3 weeks as White House and US Senate shake hands on mammoth stimulus

Published Wed, Mar 25, 2020 · 09:50 PM

SINGAPORE'S Straits Times Index (STI) registered successive sessions of gains for the first time in three weeks as investors were buoyed by US lawmakers' finally agreeing to a stimulus package worth as much as US$2 trillion.

While the news gave bearish equity markets a much-needed boost, market activity suggested investors were already expecting the decision to be made.

On Wednesday, the blue-chip index opened 3.5 per cent higher and advanced further in the afternoon session, after news reports confirming the White House and the US Senate had reached a deal for the blockbuster package.