Singapore's Straits Times opens little changed at 4,122.24

Singapore's Straits Times opens little changed at 4,122.24

The Singapore Straits Times Index (STI) opened at 4,122.24 on Monday, July 2, 2025, marking a slight increase from the previous close of 4,118.65. This move follows a week of mixed market performance, with the broader market seeing advancers outnumbering decliners [2].

The STI's opening was influenced by several key factors. Firstly, the Singapore economy's second-quarter growth of 4.3% year-on-year, which exceeded market expectations, provided a positive backdrop [2]. Additionally, the debut of NTT DC REIT, valued at US$773 million, on July 14, 2025, added a significant boost to the Singapore Exchange (SGX) [3]. This listing was the largest in eight years and is expected to contribute to the growth of the data centre sector, which is experiencing rapid expansion due to the global need for digital data storage and AI tool operations [3].

Analysts have noted that the STI's performance reflects investors' "nonchalance" over U.S. President Donald Trump's reciprocal trade tariffs, despite his propensity to extend and soften them. However, there is a concern that the rally in financial markets could embolden Trump to become more aggressive in his tariffs [2].

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) have been identified as attractive investment options in the current market, given the looming risk of a trade war and declining interest rates in Singapore [2].

Overall, the STI's opening at 4,122.24 indicates a positive start to the trading week, with the index continuing to demonstrate resilience amidst global economic uncertainties.

References:
[1] https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/quote/%5ESTI/
[2] https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/singapore-shares-hit-new-high-sti-up-0-5
[3] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-stock-market-sgx-biggest-ipo-ntt-dc-reit-5236831