Singapore's Straits Times Index rises 0.3% to 4,143.26 at open

Singapore's Straits Times Index rises 0.3% to 4,143.26 at open

Singapore's Straits Times Index (STI) opened at 4,143.26 on July 2, 2025, marking a 0.3% increase from its previous close. This opening was driven by positive market sentiment and ongoing growth in Singapore's economy, particularly in sectors like banking, real estate, telecommunications, and industrial sectors.

The STI, a benchmark of Singapore's established listed companies, has been hitting new highs recently, with an intraday high of 4,129.8 points reached on July 15, 2024. Over the past decade, the STI has delivered robust returns, with a total return of 24.3% in 2024, its best performance since 2014 [1].

The STI has historically offered higher dividend yields compared to regional bourses and lower volatility than global equity benchmarks. Over the 18-year period from January 2008 to June 2025, the STI maintained an average dividend yield of 3.77%, with yields generally between 3% and 5% [1].

The STI's resilience and relevance as a core allocation have been reflected in the growing interest among investors. As of July 14, 2025, nearly $3 billion of listed assets tracked the STI, demonstrating its strength as a trusted benchmark [1].

In addition to the STI's strong performance, the launch of the Amundi Singapore Straits Times unit-trust-based index fund has added another layer of interest. This fund, which tracks the STI and is available exclusively on the Endowus platform, aims to attract additional capital to benefit local enterprises [1]. The fund has no sales charge and offers an option for investors seeking stable income or defensiveness while maintaining exposure to Singapore's long-term growth potential.

The Singapore stock market has also seen significant activity with the debut of the NTT DC REIT, a data centre-focused real estate investment trust (REIT) valued at US$773 million. Backed by Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC and Japan's NTT Group, the listing is expected to boost the Singapore Exchange (SGX), which has seen lacklustre interest for major listings in recent years [2].

The launch of the NTT DC REIT coincides with the SGX's efforts to boost the local equities market. The Equities Market Review Group, launched in 2024, is facilitating product offerings and improving liquidity, among other measures [1].

The STI's continued strength and the recent launches of funds and REITs are indicative of Singapore's robust economic environment and its role as a leading financial hub in Asia.

References:

[1] https://www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/amundi-launches-new-fund-in-spore-that-tracks-the-straits-times-index
[2] https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-stock-market-sgx-biggest-ipo-ntt-dc-reit-5236831