Singapore stocks close mixed despite banks, Jardine stocks pushing STI to 22-mth high

RISES in the three banks on Thursday pushed the Straits Times Index (STI) to its highest level in about 22 months, up 21.14 points or 0.65 per cent to 3,271.11. Turnover was a heavy 2.1 billion units worth S$1.9 billion but gains were not widespread - the advance-decline score excluding warrants was 239 to 269.

Large jumps in DBS, UOB and OCBC elevated the index by about 19 points, with DBS alone accounting for nine points. Within the index there were also gains registered by the Jardine stable, namely Jardine Matheson, Jardine Strategic and Cycle & Carriage.