Singapore's Straits Times falls 0.3% to 3,883.43 at close

Singapore's Straits Times falls 0.3% to 3,883.43 at close

The Singapore Straits Times Index (STI) experienced a decline of 0.3% to 3,883.43 at the close of trading on Wednesday, June 19, 2025. The index, which had dipped more than a dozen points or 0.3% the previous day, continued its downward trajectory, ending the day just above the 3,920-point plateau [1].

The global outlook for Asian markets remained uncertain, with investors closely monitoring the Iran/Israel conflict for any signs of a potential slowdown. The European and U.S. markets were mixed and little changed, and the Asian markets followed suit [1]. The STI was influenced by losses in the financial shares and plantations sectors, while properties and industrials showed mixed performances [1].

Among the actively traded stocks, City Developments slumped by 0.78%, while Comfort DelGro gained 0.70%. DBS Group fell by 0.52%, and DFI Retail plunged by 1.86%. Genting Singapore, Keppel DC REIT, and Mapletree Pan Asia Commercial Trust showed gains of 0.71%, 0.87%, and 0.82%, respectively. Wilmar International plummeted by 2.66%, and Yangzijiang Financial dropped by 0.71% [1].

The lead from Wall Street provided little clarity, with the major averages spending most of Wednesday's trading session in positive territory before turning lower and ending mixed and little changed. The Dow shed 44.14 points or 0.10% to finish at 42,171.66, while the NASDAQ rose 25.18 points or 0.13% to close at 19,546.27 and the S&P 500 eased 1.85 points or 0.03% to end at 5,980.87 [1].

The Federal Reserve's decision to leave interest rates unchanged did not significantly impact the markets. The Federal Reserve continues to expect two interest rate cuts this year, lowering the rate to a range of 4.0% to 3.75% by the end of 2025 [1]. Additionally, the Labor Department reported a modest decrease in first-time claims for U.S. jobless benefits and a steep drop in new residential construction in the U.S. in May [1].

Crude oil prices ticked higher on Wednesday as the Israel-Iran conflict entered its sixth straight day with casualties on both sides. West Texas Intermediate crude for July delivery rose by $0.30 to settle at $75.15 per barrel [1].

References:
[1] https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/singapore-stock-market-may-be-stuck-neutral-thursday
[2] https://www.investing.com/indices/singapore-straits-time