Subdued trading could hit the local bourse

A SHORTENED trading week ahead in key markets chiefly the United States, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, plus Wall Street's subdued close overnight on Friday after the week's robust outing, could quelch activity in the local bourse.

On the flip side, a string of macro data out of the region could provide some direction for the stock market following a modest three-point gain by the key Straits Times Index over the previous week.

Come midweek will be the last trading day of May and the start of June when investors conduct their month-end window dressing which could lift stock prices.