THE Straits Times Index on Thursday first powered up to an intraday and 2016 high of 2,980 before wilting in the afternoon session to end at 2,958.86, a net loss of just 0.98 of a point. The broad market however, was marginally firm, recording 240 rises versus 216 falls.

Turnover amounted to 1.8 billion units worth S$1.4 billion, in line with post-US election daily averages.

The early push came from yet another all-time high on Wall Street on Wednesday and a relatively firm session for the Dow future. After earlier rising 30 points the contract stood just five points higher at 5pm, suggesting only a slightly firm opening for Wall Street on Thursday.

Trading in the three banks amounted to S$391 million or around 28 per cent of the whole day's takings. DBS's S$0.18 fall to S$18.14 came with 13.2 million done and accounted for S$241m in value traded.