The Straits Times Index fell 0.3% to 4,975 on Monday, paring gains from the previous week and mirroring declines across Asian markets amid renewed geopolitical tensions after US–Iran peace talks collapsed. Over the weekend, negotiations between the two sides broke down, and US President Donald Trump announced a full naval blockade of the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, a step that raises the risk of fresh volatility in global markets.
Despite the modest retreat, Singapore equities remained comparatively resilient: losses were less pronounced than in most regional markets, and the index is still viewed as having the potential to retest its record highs. Sentiment was supported by a firm Singapore dollar and optimism over the Equity Market Development Programme, which is expected to attract additional capital flows into the local market.
At the stock level, declines were recorded in DBS Group Holdings (-0.2%), United Overseas Bank (-0.5%), Singapore Exchange (-1.4%), and Hongkong Land Holdings (-1.4%).
