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Shouting, signalling, scrambling: Inside the heyday of Singapore’s trading pits

Amid a boisterous atmosphere, traders relied on a system of universally recognised gestures

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Renald Yeo

Renald Yeo

Published Fri, Aug 8, 2025 · 02:00 PM
    • The locals – traders who used their own capital to buy and sell derivatives, often at high frequency – would respond with their best bids, yelling or flashing hand signals until a price was agreed.
    • The locals – traders who used their own capital to buy and sell derivatives, often at high frequency – would respond with their best bids, yelling or flashing hand signals until a price was agreed. PHOTO: BT FILE

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    Singapore has certainly experienced a remarkable journey from third world to first over the last six decades.

    In this week’s Brunch, we look at some of the sectors that have undergone a significant transformation over the years. We place the spotlight on how the country went from a colonial rubber-trading outpost to one of the world’s most modern commodities powerhouses.

    We also take a trip down memory lane as we revisit the heyday of Singapore’s trading pits and the evolution to electronic trading.

    Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.

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